Indonesian police have closed more than 130 illegal gambling websites and frozen millions of dollars suspected to be associated with these activities as part of a broader initiative to disrupt online betting networks.

akarta police confirmed that 132 online casino sites were dismantled during the operation, which was conducted by the Cybercrime Directorate of the Indonesian National Police. This unit, known as Dittipidsiber, specialises in investigating digital crimes such as cyber fraud and online gambling fraud.

Investigators also froze 255.75 billion rupiah ($15.2 million) in financial transactions believed to be linked to illegal gambling activity. Officials said the crackdown followed a series of intelligence reports submitted by PPATK, Indonesia’s Financial Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre, the country’s main anti-money-laundering authority.
 

Transfers identified via monitoring

Police said PPATK used an automated financial monitoring system to spot suspicious transfers linked to gambling. This system works with banks to flag transactions connected to known gambling sites or networks.

Press Conference by Jakarta Police dated 5 March 2026
(Source: National Police Headquarters, Indonesia)

Authorities say the technology played a key role in identifying payment flows tied to the illegal platforms. However, the monitoring system has previously attracted criticism. Some analysts and civil society groups argue that automated detection tools have occasionally frozen bank accounts belonging to individuals who were not directly involved in gambling operations.

Indonesian officials have also used the system to identify welfare recipients who gamble online. In several cases, individuals found participating in online betting reportedly lost access to certain government benefits.

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

Police said 11 separate criminal investigations are ongoing as part of the larger probe. Of the frozen money, 142.01 billion rupiah ($8.4 million) may be confiscated. This money is held in 359 bank accounts linked to gambling transactions. Authorities are also looking at 40 more accounts flagged for suspicious activity.

 

Courts to decide on funds

Courts will ultimately decide whether the funds represent proceeds from illegal gambling deposits or withdrawals. If confirmed, the assets will be seized and transferred to the state treasury. Police justify the crackdown, claiming that it is to weaken illegal gambling networks by targeting their financial infrastructure.

“Payment channels are the operational route that enables illegal gambling activities,” Brigadier-General Himawan said, explaining that disrupting financial flows can significantly weaken the networks behind such platforms.
 

Youth social media ban nears

This enforcement comes as Indonesia tightens controls on online activity in general. The government recently said it plans to limit social media access for children under 16.

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

“The basis is clear. Our children face increasingly real threats,” Hafid said. He pointed to concerns like exposure to pornography, cyberbullying, online fraud, and digital addiction. Some tech companies have pushed back against the new rules, but Indonesian officials say these steps are necessary to protect users and cut down on illegal online gambling.

 

 

Source

 

 

#IllegalGambling #OnlineGambling #CyberCrime #GamingRegulation #iGaming #AsiaGaming #FinancialCrime #GamingIndustry #AML #LawEnforcement