Bareskrim Polri Searches Gambling Locations in Bengkong, Batam after Nagoya Gelper Raid
The investigation into alleged gambling offences in Batam continues to develop. After raiding a gaming arena suspected of operating as a casino in the Nagoya area, Bareskrim Polri has now targeted several locations in Bengkong.
The searches were carried out on Monday evening (17/8/2026) by a joint team comprising Bareskrim Polri, the Riau Islands Regional Police (Polda Kepri), and the Barelang City Police (Polresta Barelang). This major operation was led directly by the Deputy Chief of Bareskrim Polri as a demonstration of seriousness in eradicating gambling practices in the region.
The Head of Public Relations of Polda Kepri, Commissioner Nona Pricillia, confirmed the series of searches. She explained that this step is an important part of developing the investigation into the alleged gambling case currently being handled.
“It is true that last night the Bareskrim Polri team, jointly with Polda Kepri and Polresta Barelang, conducted searches at several locations in Bengkong, led directly by the Deputy Chief of Bareskrim Polri,” said Nona on Tuesday afternoon (18/8/2026).
During the operation in Bengkong, investigators secured a number of items strongly suspected to be related to the case under investigation. However, the police have not yet detailed the type or quantity of evidence seized from the locations.
Nona added that more in-depth information regarding the results of the searches will be officially conveyed by the Deputy Chief of Bareskrim Polri through an upcoming press conference. Currently, the entire process of examining witnesses and evidence is centred at Polresta Barelang to facilitate coordination among investigators.
The firm action in Bengkong is a follow-up to Bareskrim Polri’s operation against a gaming arena in the Nagoya area of Batam on Saturday evening (15/8/2026). The location is strongly suspected of having been converted into a covert casino.
In the raid in Nagoya, police detained at least 197 people for intensive examination. Based on the results of the examination of these hundreds of people, investigators subsequently found leads pointing to the connection of several locations in Bengkong with the gambling activities.
“Yes, related to the criminal act of gambling, and this is the result of development by the investigation team,” Nona stressed regarding the link between the Nagoya raid and the Bengkong searches.
To date, the investigation is still ongoing. Police are still examining the roles of each party as well as the connection of the evidence found in the series of marathon enforcement actions. Bareskrim Polri, together with Polda Kepri and Polresta Barelang, is committed to fully uncovering the network and parties involved in gambling activities in Batam.