Indonesian authorities have dismantled an online gambling syndicate that allegedly operated through a network of 17 shell companies, seizing Rp 59bn in cash and arresting five suspects, according to The Jakarta Globe.
The operation followed a coordinated series of raids launched in early December. Brigadier General Himawan Bayu Aji, director of cybercrime at the National Police, said officers also blocked 21 gambling websites that offered games such as slots, casino-style tables and football betting.
Police conducted undercover work to map the financial structure behind the platforms. Officers placed deposits on suspected gambling sites to track transactions, which later led them to the network of 17 companies created to disguise the flow of betting funds.
According to investigators, 15 of the firms functioned as first-layer intermediaries for payment processing, receiving deposits from players before passing the funds onward. The remaining two companies allegedly acted as repositories for the broader proceeds of the gambling operation. Police released the firms’ identities using initials only.
The five suspects, aged 29 to 45, were arrested in separate operations last month. Each is accused of playing a specific role in establishing or managing the companies used to disguise criminal earnings. Authorities believe some of the individuals created fictitious businesses solely to support money-laundering activity.
The suspects have been charged under Indonesia’s anti–money laundering laws, which provide for sentences of up to 20 years in prison.
Police said the investigation is continuing as they work to identify other actors involved and trace additional financial flows connected to the syndicate.
Indonesia’s anti–money laundering legislation allows for prison terms of up to 20 years for those convicted
