Inp.polri.go.id - Batam.  The Riau Islands Regional Police have revealed a new method of promoting online gambling aimed at motorcycle clubs through social media, stickers, and branded t-shirts.

“This is a new approach to promote online gambling via social media, specifically targeting motorcycle clubs,” said Senior Superintendent Putu Yudha Prawira, the Riau Islands Police Director of the Special Crimes Investigation, on Sunday (24/11/2024).

A suspect, identified as YA alias B, was arrested after running the scheme for six months, generating Rp 36 million in revenue. The suspect distributed stickers and t-shirts with the gambling website logo to motorcycle club members, who then posted pictures on Instagram, enticing others to visit the site.

The investigation began with cyber patrols identifying two Instagram accounts promoting gambling. 

“The accounts shared images of motorcycles with gambling stickers, leading users to click the links,” said Senior Inspector Gokma Uliate Sitompul, a Riau Islands Police Head of Special Crime Investigation Sub-directorates.

Suspect YA faces charges under the Electronic Information and Transactions Law, carrying a maximum 10-year prison sentence. 

(mg/inp/pr/nm)