Indonesian police have dismantled an online gambling network that processed more than US$56.6 million in transactions, uncovering an operation run through overseas-controlled websites and local financial accounts.
Authorities say the network handled more than 1.03 trillion rupiah between January and August, with five suspects arrested in connection with its operations.
The arrests took place in Jakarta, South Tangerang and Semarang in July, while investigators continue searching for a sixth suspect believed to have directed the wider operation.
More Than 1 Trillion Rupiah Passed Through the Network
According to Indonesia’s National Police cybercrime authorities, the three gambling websites involved were controlled from outside the country but operated across Indonesia and other jurisdictions.
The network processed an average of around 8.6 billion rupiah per day, highlighting the scale of the operation before authorities intervened.
Police have also frozen approximately 51 billion rupiah held across five payment service providers. The funds are believed to be connected to transactions processed through the gambling network.
Shell Company Used to Move Gambling Proceeds
Investigators allege that the five arrested suspects helped establish a shell company and opened bank accounts to collect proceeds generated by the overseas gambling websites.
The arrangement allegedly allowed the operation to maintain an overseas-facing structure while relying on financial infrastructure inside Indonesia to process and move money.
Authorities are now investigating the wider network and its overseas connections as they pursue the suspected sixth member, who is believed to have played a leading role in coordinating the operation.
Suspects Face Up to 15 Years in Prison
The five arrested individuals face potential prison sentences of up to 15 years under Indonesia’s electronic fund transfer and criminal laws.
The case is part of Indonesia’s broader enforcement effort against illegal online gambling, with authorities focusing not only on gambling websites themselves but also on the financial systems used to process their revenues.
The investigation remains ongoing, with the search for the alleged ringleader and further examination of the network’s overseas structure still underway.
For Indonesian authorities, the case also highlights the growing challenge of tackling gambling operations that can be controlled from abroad while using local companies, bank accounts and payment providers to move large volumes of money.