Indonesian police have dismantled an online gambling network that processed more than IDR1.03 trillion (US$56.6 million) in transactions. They arrested five suspects and froze funds linked to the operation.
The network allegedly operated through three overseas-based gambling websites, while its local activities were supported by individuals in Indonesia. Authorities are continuing to search for a sixth suspect believed to have directed the operation.
Network Processed IDR1.03 Trillion in Transactions
According to Adex Yudiswan, Director of Cybercrime at Indonesia’s National Police, the network processed more than IDR1.03 trillion between January and August. This is equivalent to an average of around IDR8.6 billion per day.
Although the websites were controlled from outside Indonesia, investigators said the network operated across Indonesia and other countries. The arrangement allowed the group to maintain overseas control while relying on local infrastructure to process gambling-related payments.
Police have also frozen approximately IDR51 billion held across five payment service providers. The funds are believed to be connected to transactions processed through the gambling network.
Five Suspects Arrested in Indonesia
The five suspects were arrested in July in Jakarta, South Tangerang and Semarang. Investigators allege that they helped establish a shell company and bank accounts. These accounts were used to collect proceeds generated by the overseas gambling websites.
Authorities are now pursuing a sixth suspect who is believed to have played a leading role in coordinating the operation.
The arrests and asset freezes form part of a broader investigation into the network’s financial structure. This includes how gambling proceeds were collected and transferred through Indonesian payment channels.
Suspects Face Up to 15 Years in Prison
The suspects could face up to 15 years in prison under Indonesia’s electronic fund transfer and criminal laws.
The case highlights the challenges Indonesian authorities face in tackling cross-border online gambling networks. This is particularly true when websites are controlled overseas but depend on domestic financial infrastructure.
With more than IDR1 trillion in transactions identified and IDR51 billion frozen, the investigation demonstrates the increasing focus on financial flows and payment intermediaries. Indonesian authorities are stepping up enforcement against illegal online gambling.
