Indonesian Police Bust Sukoharjo Casino, Arrest 71

Authorities in Indonesia have dismantled a sophisticated illegal casino operation in Sukoharjo, Central Java, following an investigation that began with a separate gambling case in Maluku.

The Directorate of General Crimes (Dirtipidum) of the National Police's Criminal Investigation Agency (Bareskrim) revealed that the operation was uncovered when a team from the Maluku Regional Police was investigating gambling activities in Central Java. During their surveillance, officers discovered the casino, identified as being located in the 'SB' building.

Brigadier General Wira Satya Triputra, Director of General Crimes at Bareskrim, stated that the casino featured various gambling games, including baccarat, niu-niu, and fish shooting machines. A joint operation by the Maluku and Central Java Regional Police led to the apprehension of 71 individuals present at the scene.

Following initial investigations, 30 of the arrested individuals were formally named suspects and have been detained at the Bareskrim detention center. These suspects held various roles within the operation, including cashier, card dealer, chip exchanger, CCTV operator, technical staff, and service personnel.

During the raid, police confiscated a significant amount of evidence, including cash amounting to Rp1,048,273,000 (approximately $70,000 USD). Additionally, dozens of mobile phones, computers, baccarat and mahjong tables, dice tables, fish shooting machines, game consoles, poker chips, playing cards, card shufflers, cash boxes, and CCTV equipment were seized.

Bareskrim emphasized that the investigation is ongoing and extends beyond the players to those allegedly managing and supporting the operation. This includes examining transaction management, card dealing, chip handling, CCTV surveillance, and the technical aspects of the games. The agency stated it would pursue any other individuals found to be involved in accordance with the law.