Indonesia Arrests 321 Foreigners on Illegal Online Gambling Charge

Raid Hits Gambling Base in Jakarta Building

Police raided a commercial building near Jakarta’s Chinatown area. They say the site worked as a control center for gambling activity.Investigators found more than 75 gambling websites linked to the group. These sites mainly targeted users outside Indonesia.

Brigadier General Wira Satya Triputra said suspects were caught during active work. He said teams inside the building handled different tasks. The operation looked organized. Different groups managed support, marketing, and money work.

Hundreds of Foreign Nationals Arrested

A total of 321 foreign nationals were detained in the raid. Most came from Vietnam and China. Authorities confirmed 228 Vietnamese nationals and 57 Chinese nationals. Others came from Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, and Cambodia.

• Vietnam: 228

• China: 57

• Others: Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, Cambodia

Cash, Devices, and Passports Seized

Police seized cash in different currencies during the raid. They also took laptops, phones, safes, and passports. These items suggest the group ran a structured operation. Each part of the team had a specific role.

Investigators believe the system was built for overseas users. Evidence points to marketing and customer service roles inside the building.

Legal Action and Possible Prison Terms

Authorities have named 275 suspects in the case so far. Others are still being questioned. Those charged may face up to nine years in prison. They could also face heavy fines. Indonesia bans all forms of online gambling. The law is strictly enforced across the country.

Nevertheless, officials say these groups keep returning. Some may move between countries to avoid crackdowns.

Regional Shift in Illegal Gambling Networks

Officials say illegal groups are moving across Southeast Asia. Crackdowns in nearby countries may push them to Indonesia. An Interpol official in Indonesia said this movement was expected. He said networks often shift locations after enforcement actions.

Wider Cybercrime Cases in Indonesia

The Jakarta raid follows other recent arrests. Police have also detained foreign suspects in Batam, Surabaya, and Bali. These cases include fraud and scam operations. Many involved online schemes targeting overseas users.

Subsequently, officials warn the trend may continue. They expect more cases as investigations expand. The Jakarta case remains open. Police say more arrests may follow as they review evidence.