Four arrested in Indonesia over illegal online gambling

• Law enforcement in Indonesia has taken a decisive step against an international illegal online gambling syndicate
• The group operated for more than two years, generating more than $110,000 in revenue
• Four people were arrested, while one suspect remains at large

Several individuals, suspected of participating in a transnational illegal online gambling network were recently arrested in Indonesia.

While police nabbed four people, described by local media outlets as administrators of the online gambling syndicate, one person remains at large.

The gambling ring generated $110K+ revenue

As announced by the local media outlet, TEMPO, the takedown of the criminal group was completed after an investigation into a gambling website called 1XBET.

The Metro Jaya Regional Police’s Cyber Crime Directorate has initiated an investigation into the aforementioned website, finding traces of cross-border gambling activities.

Grawas Sugiharto, the Grand Commissioner of the Cyber Crime Directorate, explained earlier this week that the criminal network generated more than Rp2bn, or approximately $111,000, operating between April 2024 and June 2026.

In the course of the arrests of the four suspects, law enforcement blocked 75 accounts related to illegal online gambling, while also seizing smartphones, laptops and other electronic devices.

Notably, the group had nearly two dozen accounts on each of the devices, primarily used to conceal their identity.

What’s known so far is that a total of five people were involved in the operation of the international gambling network syndicate.

Out of the four suspects, who were arrested, three held the roles of administrators, while the fourth coordinated efforts tied to concealing the source of funds, opening accounts and other activities vital for the gambling network.

A fifth person, suspected of being involved in the international online gambling operation is yet to be detained.

Law enforcement believe that the fifth individual is likely hiding in Malaysia or Vietnam.

The investigation into the unlawful activities uncovered that the fifth person regularly communicated with the rest of the group via online chats.

It is unclear whether or not the person who remains at large is a leader of the group.

If found guilty, alleged members of the illegal gambling syndicate may face penalties that include imprisonment of up to five years.

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