Authorities Crack Down on International Online Gambling Syndicate, Seize IDR 16.4 Billion in Assets
By: Ammar Aditya
The uncovering of an international online gambling syndicate by the National Police’s Cyber Crime Directorate represents a significant achievement in maintaining social stability and digital security in Indonesia. This case confirms that online gambling is not simply illegal entertainment, but rather a transnational criminal network that threatens public order. With the advancement of technology, the perpetrators’ methods have become increasingly complex, utilizing various digital platforms to lure victims. Therefore, the authorities’ success in dismantling this large syndicate deserves appreciation as clear evidence of the government’s commitment to protecting its citizens.
The National Police’s Cyber Crime Directorate successfully uncovered a large syndicate operating through three main websites: Slot Bola 88, Raja Spin 88, and Inibet 77. During the operation, investigators arrested three suspects and seized IDR 16.4 billion in cash from 36 accounts. In addition, 76 other accounts with transaction values reaching Rp 63.7 billion were also blocked. This disclosure demonstrates that authorities are not only targeting small-time players but also cracking down on large networks with significant cash flows. This step aligns with President Prabowo Subianto’s Asta Cita program to strengthen the prevention and eradication of online gambling in the country.
Brigadier General Himawan Bayu Aji, Director of Cyber Crime at the National Police Criminal Investigation Agency (Bareskrim Polri), explained that this disclosure was the result of close collaboration with the Financial Transaction Reports and Analysis Center (PPATK), the Coordinating Ministry for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs, and the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology. An in-depth investigation revealed that 200 people were involved as players, while the rest acted as organizers, admins, operators, and endorsers. During the search, police also seized other evidence, including Rp 87.8 million in cash, Rp 300 million in notes, USD 30,000 (approximately Rp 488 million), 350,000 Philippine pesos (approximately Rp 99.7 million), three laptops, nine mobile phones, one Wi-Fi modem, nine ATM cards, and four bank account books. This confirms that the online gambling network operated in a structured and cross-border manner.
In addition, investigators have identified a fugitive named AL, who is responsible for recruiting and training online gambling site administrators. AL’s role is crucial because the network requires technical personnel capable of managing the sites and ensuring the continuity of these illegal operations. The fugitive status demonstrates that authorities are not stopping at arresting perpetrators on the ground but are committed to pursuing the main actors behind this illicit practice. This demonstrates the National Police’s decisiveness in getting to the bottom of the case.
The Deputy Director of the Financial Transaction Reports and Analysis Center (PPATK), Danang Tri Hartono, emphasized that online gambling practices are closely linked to illegal financial transactions. PPATK analysis shows that many of the accounts used by perpetrators originate from account buying and selling practices. This phenomenon is very dangerous because it can unwittingly drag ordinary people into criminal networks. The agency urges the public not to hand over, lend, or sell bank accounts to other parties to be aware of the threat of digital crimes such as online gambling.
Furthermore, Danang stated that the value of online gambling deposits in 2024 reached IDR 51 trillion. However, thanks to cross-agency synergy, this figure decreased drastically to IDR 17 trillion in the first half of 2025. This figure is clear evidence that cooperation between authorities and related institutions is beginning to show positive results. Nevertheless, Danang emphasized the need for continued vigilance to prevent this downward trend from escalating again. This means the public must continue to raise awareness about not getting involved in account buying and selling practices that serve as entry points for criminal syndicates.
The government, through the Ministry of Communication and Digital, is also paying close attention to this issue. The Director of Informatics Application Control at the Ministry, Sofyan Kurniawan, confirmed that President Prabowo Subianto has ordered the establishment of an Online Gambling Eradication Desk. This desk involved all stakeholders, including law enforcement officials, financial institutions, and digital regulators. According to Sofyan, the successful uncovering of this international syndicate demonstrates the government and the National Police’s commitment to combating illegal practices that undermine national morals and threaten state stability.
