Indonesia’s Immigration Office has arrested five foreign nationals from China and Vietnam over suspected involvement in an international online gambling operation in Tangerang, Banten.
The arrests followed an inspection of the suspects’ accommodation in Kelapa Dua on September 7. During that inspection, immigration officers found a large number of electronic devices believed to be connected to online gambling activity.
Authorities seized one computer, one laptop and 26 mobile phones from the location.
Investigation Begins With Permit Applications
The investigation began on August 29, when the five individuals applied to extend their temporary stay permits.
Immigration officers identified inconsistencies in the round-trip flight documents submitted with the applications. Authorities suspected that the tickets did not belong to the applicants and that the names had been altered.
The five individuals were subsequently summoned on September 7. Officers then inspected their accommodation, where they discovered the electronic equipment operating automatically.
Suspects Allegedly Targeted Vietnam
The group consisted of two Chinese nationals identified as WH and ZL, and three Vietnamese nationals identified as LVT, DVD and DIH.
Initial findings indicated that the two Chinese suspects allegedly operated a system used to record transactions. Meanwhile, the three Vietnamese nationals were reportedly responsible for collecting money generated through gambling activities targeting the Vietnamese market.
Banten Immigration Office head Barron Ichsan said the suspects were believed to have generated hundreds of millions of Vietnamese dong each day. Authorities also said the group had been in Indonesia for around one month.
Officials have not disclosed the gambling website involved or the full scale of the suspected operation.
Immigration Surveillance Expands
Following the arrests, authorities increased surveillance of seven other foreign nationals believed to have fled the location. In addition, two have been placed on a subject-of-interest list while officials work to establish their whereabouts and possible connections to the case.
The Banten Immigration Office is also coordinating with relevant embassies in Jakarta.
The five suspects could face deportation and entry bans if they are not prosecuted in Indonesia. Authorities are continuing to examine the seized devices and investigate other individuals potentially connected to the operation.
Suspects Could Face Immigration Charges
The suspects may face charges under Articles 122 and/or 123 of Indonesia’s Immigration Law, covering violations including misuse of stay permits and providing false immigration information.
The offences carry potential imprisonment of up to five years and fines of up to Rp200 million.
The investigation remains ongoing as Indonesian authorities determine the scope of the alleged gambling network. Officials are also deciding whether further criminal proceedings will follow.
