Indonesia Busts Major Online Gambling Network

Indonesian authorities have dismantled a large suspected online gambling operation in Jakarta, arresting more than 300 foreign nationals after uncovering what investigators believe was a network operating around 150 illegal betting websites.

The raid was carried out by the Indonesian National Police at offices located on the 20th and 21st floors of Hayam Wuruk Plaza Tower in West Jakarta. The investigation began after members of the public reported suspicious activity inside the building, prompting police to conduct surveillance before taking action.

Although more than 300 individuals were initially detained, authorities have formally identified 287 suspects as the investigation continues.

Multinational Operation Uncovered

Most of those arrested were Vietnamese citizens, while others came from China, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos and Malaysia. Police also detained four Indonesian nationals accused of assisting the organisation in establishing and managing its operations within the country.

Investigators believe the group used Jakarta as its operational headquarters while serving customers across several Asian markets.

Equipment and Cash Seized

During searches of the premises, officers seized a large quantity of electronic equipment, including nearly 600 mobile phones, around 400 laptops, desktop computers, networking devices, monitors and passports.

Authorities also confiscated cash in Indonesian rupiah and several foreign currencies, with the total value of the seized funds approaching US$500,000.

Overseas Infrastructure

According to investigators, although the operation was based in Indonesia, its technical infrastructure was hosted abroad.

Police said servers were located in countries including Brazil, the Philippines, China and Vietnam, making enforcement more challenging. The organisation is also believed to have relied on mirror websites to keep its gambling platforms accessible whenever domains were blocked.

Financial investigators discovered records indicating that one of the betting platforms handled customer deposits exceeding US$778 million. Documents examined during the investigation also suggested that parts of the operation generated profits worth hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Authorities said much of the group's financial management was conducted through cloud-based spreadsheets, while investigators are also examining suspected cryptocurrency transactions.

Cryptocurrency and Front Companies

Police allege the organisation operated behind businesses presented as technology and digital marketing companies.

Payments were reportedly processed using USDT and other cryptocurrencies, while social media channels were used to promote the betting websites and attract customers.

The operation also appeared to have a structured workforce. Investigators estimate that around 175 employees worked in customer support, while other teams handled software development, finance, marketing, management and staff training.

Authorities are now working with immigration officials, financial crime investigators and gambling regulators to trace the organisation's financial activities and identify those believed to be directing the network.

The investigation has also expanded to include 15 companies suspected of helping foreign workers enter Indonesia to support the operation.

The case comes as Indonesian authorities report an increase in illegal online betting activity since the start of the FIFA World Cup, with officials continuing efforts to disrupt organised gambling networks operating in the country.