A recent crackdown on illegal gambling in Indonesia led to the arrest of 22 suspects and the seizure of various pieces of equipment. The operation targeted a network that allegedly promoted two illegal gambling websites, generating hundreds of billions of Indonesian Rupiah.

Law enforcement carried out raids across multiple locations, including Bekasi, Bogor, Denpasar, and Tangerang, uncovering a large-scale operation with international connections, particularly to China and Cambodia. The network’s illegal activities spanned less than a year but were highly profitable.

The police operation, led by the National Police’s Criminal Investigation Agency, resulted in the seizure of 354 mobile phones, dozens of computers, 18 ATM cards, a car, modems, and over 2,600 SIM cards used to promote the gambling websites. Additionally, investigators found that the suspects, who served roles such as financial administrators, server managers, and operators, used over 500 WhatsApp accounts daily to send thousands of promotional messages offering easy deposits and guaranteed winnings.

The suspects are facing charges under Indonesia’s Criminal Code, which carries penalties of up to six years in prison and fines of up to Rp1 billion ($61,300) under the Electronic Information and Transactions Act. Those involved in money laundering could face penalties of up to 15 years in prison and similar fines under the Law on Prevention and Eradication of Money Laundering.

Although the gambling network’s operation lasted less than a year, it generated millions of dollars, with the money laundered via third-party bank accounts and converted into cryptocurrency to conceal its origins. The international ties to China and Cambodia raise questions about the scope of the operation and whether authorities in those countries will take action as well.

This operation highlights not only the scale of illegal gambling activities but also the increasing use of digital platforms and cryptocurrencies to evade detection.