Bali police have dismantled what they describe as a sophisticated online gambling syndicate operated by Indian nationals from two villas in Badung and Tabanan. The operation resulted in 39 arrests, with 35 suspects formally charged and four individuals designated as witnesses, according to Police Chief Inspector General Daniel Adityajaya.
The case began on January 15 when cyber-patrol officers detected the Instagram account @Rambetexchange promoting the Ram Betting Exchange platform, as reported by ANTARA News. A cyber-forensics review confirmed that the site provided full gambling functions including deposits, withdrawals and operational support.
After identifying two villas being used as operational bases, police launched coordinated raids on February 3. Investigators estimate that each villa generated up to RP 4.3bn in monthly revenue, with combined earnings projected between RP 7bn and RP 8bn. Police believe the suspects were working illegally, having entered Indonesia on tourist visas but engaging in employment linked to online gambling.
Senior Commissioner Aszhari Kurniawan, director of the cybercrime agency, said the accused individuals began operating the platform in November 2025. Their responsibilities included handling payments and providing customer support using electronic devices. Most users of the platform were identified as Indian nationals, suggesting the service specifically targeted Indian tourists visiting Bali.
Police said all 39 individuals were unemployed in their home country before being recruited by another Indian national who offered a monthly wage of RP 5m. During the raids, officers seized three computers, 42 mobile phones, 15 laptops and two routers.
The suspects will be charged under Article 27(2) in conjunction with Article 45(3) of the Information and Electronic Transactions Law, as well as Article 426(1) of the Criminal Code.
The charges carry up to nine years in prison and fines of up to RP 200m
