Indonesian Police Shut Down 132 Illegal Gambling Websites and Freezes $15M

Authorities in Indonesia have dismantled more than 130 illegal gambling websites and frozen millions of dollars allegedly connected to the operations.

Jakarta police stated that 132 online casino platforms were taken offline during the operation, led by the Cybercrime Directorate of the Indonesian National Police. The unit, also known as Dittipidsiber, focuses on digital crimes like cyber fraud and illegal gambling networks.

Investigators also froze 255.75 billion rupiah($15.2m), in financial transactions suspected to be linked to the illegal operations. Authorities said intelligence reports provided by PPATK, the Financial Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre, led to the crackdown.

Financial Monitoring System Tracks Gambling Transactions

Officials said the anti-money laundering agency used an automated monitoring system to identify suspicious financial transfers connected to online gambling. The technology works with banks to detect payment patterns associated with known betting platforms.

The monitoring system has drawn criticism from some observers. Analysts and civil society groups have argued that automated detection tools have occasionally frozen accounts of people not directly engaged in illegal gambling activity.

Authorities have also used the system to identify welfare recipients who participate in online betting. In certain cases, individuals discovered to be gambling online lost access to government programmes.

Thousands Of Bank Accounts Linked To Network

Brigadier General Himawan Bayu Aji, head of Dittipidsiber, said investigators had traced suspicious transactions involving 5,961 bank accounts connected to the illegal gambling network. Authorities believe additional accounts could still be linked to the platforms and remain under review.

Police confirmed that 11 criminal investigations are underway as part of the ongoing operation. Of the funds already frozen, 142.01 billion rupiah, about $8.4m, could be permanently seized. The money is currently held in 359 bank accounts identified as processing gambling transactions.

Authorities are also reviewing 40 additional accounts that were flagged for suspicious activity during the investigation. Courts will determine whether the frozen funds represent proceeds generated through illegal gambling operations. If ascertained, the assets will be confiscated and transferred to the state treasury.

Brigadier General Himawan further commented: “Payment channels are the operational route that enables illegal gambling activities.” 

Government Moves To Tighten Online Activity Rules

The enforcement operation comes as Indonesian authorities introduce new controls on online platforms. Officials have announced plans to restrict social media access for users under the age of 16.

Communications and Digital Affairs Minister Meutya Hafid said the proposed rule would prevent minors from opening accounts on “high-risk” digital platforms, including YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, X, Bigo Live and Roblox.

“The basis is clear. Our children face increasingly real threats,” Hafid said. The minister cited concerns including exposure to pornography, cyberbullying, online fraud and digital addiction. 

Some technology companies have expressed reservations about the proposed restrictions. Government officials maintain the rules are necessary to protect young users and reduce the spread of illegal online gambling.