Over 5,000 people have been arrested in Asia during the 2010 World Cup as police clamp down on an operation of illegal gambling.

The International police force Interpol has said that just under $10 million was seized during the crackdown in China, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand with over 800 illegal gambling dens being stormed by police throughout the tournament.

It is also believed that the gambling dens handled more than $155 million (£100 million) worth of debts.

During the operation which went throughout the months of June and July police seized several items such as cars, bank cards, computers and mobile phones.