Bali police bust Cambodia-linked online gambling ring

Cyber Crime Director Aszhari Kurniawan said initial findings showed the group had operated in Cambodia before relocating to Bali to continue activities.

The suspects—identified as IJT, RFT and MGB, all in their early 20s—worked as telemarketers and are students from Manado.

A fourth suspect, WAB, 31, from Jakarta, acted as customer service.

Kurniawan said two suspects had prior experience working in similar operations in the Philippines and Cambodia.

They returned to Indonesia after crackdowns overseas and set up a new base in Bali in January 2026.

The group contacted 300–400 Indonesian phone numbers daily, offering links to online gambling applications.

They lured users with bonuses and encouraged deposits via virtual accounts at local banks.

The suspects operated gambling platforms identified as KETUA.CO and GN77.

Police uncovered the case through cyber patrols that detected suspicious gambling websites, including the two platforms.

Officers raided a site on Jalan Pratama in Benoa, Badung district, on April 12.

Four suspects were arrested at the scene and later named in the investigation.

Kurniawan said the suspects were motivated by financial gain, attracted by the prospect of high earnings.

Police seized four laptops and five mobile phones as evidence.

The suspects face charges under Article 426(1) of the Criminal Code, carrying a maximum penalty of nine years in prison.

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Translator: Rolandus Nampu, Resinta Sulistiyandari