275 Foreign Nationals Named Suspects in Jakarta Gambling Raid

Indonesian authorities have struck a significant blow against international organized crime with a major raid on an online gambling syndicate operating out of Jakarta. Police have named 275 foreign nationals as suspects following the operation at Hayam Wuruk Plaza Tower, which allegedly served as the hub for 75 illicit gambling websites.

The raid, conducted on a Friday night, resulted in the detention of 321 foreign nationals. General Crimes Director Wira Satya Triputra stated that investigations are ongoing to determine the specific roles of those not yet formally charged, indicating the complexity of the network. The syndicate is believed to have been active for at least two months, operating from the 20th and 21st floors of the building.

Evidence seized includes safes, passports, numerous mobile phones, laptops, computers, and a substantial amount of cash in various currencies, totaling approximately Rp1.9 billion (US$116,000). Investigators are also examining how the syndicate acquired the necessary equipment within Indonesia and are tracing communication networks via IP addresses, with servers suspected to be located abroad. Preliminary findings suggest the websites primarily targeted foreign users, not Indonesians.

The suspects, predominantly from Vietnam (228 nationals), but also including citizens from China, Laos, Myanmar, Malaysia, Thailand, and Cambodia, are believed to have been housed in nearby apartments and hotels. They allegedly performed various roles, from operators and telemarketers to financial staff and coordinators. The arrested individuals face charges under multiple provisions of Indonesia’s Criminal Code and related laws concerning online gambling.

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The rest are still being investigated because we need to determine the specific roles of those who remain under examination