Indonesian police arrest 321 foreigners in an operation to crack down on banned online gambling
Indonesian police arrested 321 foreign nationals during a major raid on an illegal online gambling hub in Jakarta.Summary
Indonesian authorities conducted a massive crackdown in Jakarta, arresting 321 foreign nationals—primarily from Vietnam—at a commercial building serving as a hub for over 70 illegal online gambling websites. The operation revealed a highly structured network with roles including customer service, telemarketing, and financial administration. Investigators found that many suspects entered the country on short-term visitor visas and overstayed their permits, leading to additional charges of immigration violations and potential money laundering.
Police seized various items, including cash in multiple currencies, computers, and mobile phones used to manage at least 75 betting platforms. Of those detained, 275 have been formally named as suspects and could face up to nine years in prison and significant fines. This raid is part of a broader trend of transnational crime syndicates relocating to Indonesia from countries like Myanmar and Cambodia to evade local enforcement.
This operation follows several other recent arrests of foreign nationals involved in investment fraud and scam rings in cities like Batam, Surabaya, and Bali. Authorities emphasize the need for increased coordination to combat the rising threat of cross-border cyber operations and organized crime in the country.
(Source：NBC News)