Online Gambling Syndicate Allegedly Collected Rp 13 Trillion in Deposits Over Two Months

Indonesian police have uncovered an alleged online gambling syndicate operating from the Hayam Wuruk Tower Plaza in West Jakarta, estimating it collected Rp 13.9 trillion in player deposits within a two-month period. The syndicate, reportedly managed by 321 foreign nationals, is believed to have amassed Rp 1.69 trillion in profits.

Brigadier General Wira Satya Triputra, Director of General Crimes Investigation at the National Police's Criminal Investigation Agency (Bareskrim), stated that the financial figures were derived from forensic analysis of seized electronic devices, including phones, laptops, and computers. Police also confiscated Rp 8.5 billion in cash and foreign currency totaling Rp 245 million for operational expenses.

Four Indonesian citizens have been named as suspects. One, identified as MAP, allegedly served as the financial administrator and was reportedly in direct contact with a Chinese national, Lio Hongyu, also known as LEO or LTH, who is suspected of coordinating the syndicate. Lio Hongyu is believed to have left Indonesia for China shortly after the raid.

Other Indonesian suspects include BT, who allegedly assisted in leasing the office space, DFA, who prepared bank accounts and ATM cards for syndicate operations, and DA, who was involved in financial aspects, currency exchange to cryptocurrency, and assisting foreign nationals with their residency permits. Police have identified 287 of the 321 foreign nationals as suspects, including individuals from China, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam, who allegedly worked in roles such as customer service, programming, marketing, and finance.