Hundreds of Foreigners Detained in Major Online Gambling Bust in Jakarta

Indonesian authorities have cracked down on a significant international online gambling and scam ring operating out of Jakarta. The raid on the Hayam Wuruk Plaza Tower, a multi-story building in West Jakarta, revealed hundreds of foreign nationals engaged in illicit activities. This operation is a stark reminder of the persistent threat of online fraud and gambling, which the National Police have warned about, particularly with major international sporting events like the World Cup on the horizon.

The discovery highlights the transnational nature of these criminal enterprises, with reports suggesting a link to Chinese citizens. This aligns with previous concerns raised by the Indonesian government regarding online gambling, including a reprimand issued to Meta for its platforms hosting such content. The sheer scale of the operation, involving hundreds of individuals and occupying a substantial space within the tower, underscores the depth of the problem.

Tempo's reporting on this bust comes at a time when online gambling is a major concern for Indonesian law enforcement. The article references previous seizures of substantial amounts of money from online gambling proceeds and efforts to address cases of Indonesian citizens caught in scam centers abroad. The ongoing investigation by the Indonesian National Police, including the presence of high-ranking officials at the scene, signals the seriousness with which this crime is being treated.

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Personnel from the Mobile Brigade of the Jakarta Metro Police were deployed to the location to provide security support.