Thursday, 16 July 2026
BATAM | INDATANEWS.COM – The Barelang Police Criminal Investigation Unit (Satreskrim Polresta Barelang) has uncovered a major online gambling operation during a press conference held at the Wicaksana Laghawa Hall on the second floor of the Barelang Police Headquarters. The briefing was led by Police Chief Kombes Pol Anggoro Wicaksono, accompanied by Head of Criminal Investigation Kompol M. Debby Tri Andrestia, Police Public Relations Officer AKP Budi Santosa, lead investigator Iptu Muhammad Hafidh Zulfaj, and other officers.
Kombes Pol Anggoro Wicaksono stated that the investigation is part of Indonesia's national directive under the Asta Cita program, as well as orders from the National Police Chief and the Riau Islands Police to intensify efforts against online gambling activities within the Barelang jurisdiction.Authorities identified a luxury housing complex in Batam as the operational site. During the raid, three suspects directly involved in the illegal gambling activities were arrested.
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The police revealed that the syndicate managed multiple gambling websites, including MPO999ONE.COM, MALLBETNEW.COM, and 1MPOMEGA.COM. Investigators also secured evidence, including cash and account balances totaling IDR 1,001,460,000.
Read Also:According to Kompol M. Debby Tri Andrestia, the investigation began after public reports of suspicious activity at Taman Golf Residence, Sukajadi, Batam Kota.
The raid was conducted on Thursday, May 21, 2026, at around 2:45 PM. Officers found three suspects identified as HR (43), HL (35), and ET (40) operating computers and laptops connected to gambling dashboards and payment gateway systems.
Read Also:Syndicate Structure and Cross-Border Operations
HR allegedly served as the main manager, coordinating website operations and payment systems linked to a parent company based in the Philippines. The profit-sharing scheme allocated 20 percent to the company and 80 percent to HR.
HR also coordinated workers in Cambodia responsible for marketing, administration, and customer service, while HL and ET handled financial operations, including transaction records and payroll transfers.Investigators confirmed that the network has been operating for approximately two years since 2024, with funds seized originating from transactions within the last three days. Further investigation into financial flows and additional suspects is ongoing.
Read Also:Millions in Revenue Promoted via Social Media
The gambling platforms were actively promoted through Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok by operators based in Cambodia. The group reportedly generated monthly revenues of around IDR 10 billion, frequently changing locations to avoid detection.
Evidence Seized and Legal ActionPolice confiscated 16 mobile phones, three tablets, one laptop, two CPUs, four monitors, four BCA bank tokens, two passports, and cash amounting to IDR 1,001,460,000. All suspects and evidence have been taken to the Barelang Police Headquarters for further investigation.
Read Also:The suspects are charged under Article 45 paragraph (3) in conjunction with Article 27 paragraph (2) of Law No. 1/2024 (ITE Law amendment) and Article 426 paragraph (1) letters A and C of the new Indonesian Criminal Code. They face up to 10 years in prison and fines of up to IDR 10 billion.
Police Appeal to the Public
The Barelang Police urge residents of Batam to avoid all forms of online gambling and to report any suspicious activity. Reports can be submitted via the 110 emergency hotline for immediate response. (IDNC)REPORTER: Dalil Harahap | EDITOR: Fik Sagala
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