Inp.polri.go.id - Jakarta. The Indonesian National Police (INP) Criminal Investigation Agency’s Directorate of Cyber Crime Directorate has uncovered an online gambling operation managed by a Chinese citizen. 

The investigation focused on the website Slot8278, which has been active since September 2022 and has reportedly handled around Rp 685.5 billion in transactions, according to antaranews.com.

Brigadier General Himawan Bayu Aji, the Head of the Cyber Crime Directorate, said during a press conference on Tuesday (8/10/2024)that the gambling site not only operated in Indonesia but also targeted markets in Thailand, Cambodia, Malaysia, and Vietnam. 

"However, the site primarily aimed at the Indonesian market, attracting approximately 85,000 players," he said.

The suspects employed payment service providers (PSPs) and Indonesian bank accounts for deposits and withdrawals. They also developed an application to facilitate these transactions between the PSPs and the gambling site in China.

Seven suspects were arrested, including one Chinese citizen, identified as QF, and six Indonesians, identified as RA, IMM, AF, FH, RAP, and HJ. Suspect QF served as the director of a PSP and was responsible for managing the flow of gambling funds.

Chief Himawan confirmed that law enforcement has seized 17 mobile phones, three laptops, one iPad, and four bank tokens. They have also initiated the blocking of five accounts holding approximately Rp 6.055 billion.

The suspects face multiple charges, with potential penalties of up to 20 years in prison for their involvement in this online gambling scheme.

(mg/inp/pr/nm)