Expert Reveals Method to Track Online Gambling Syndicates, Blocking Sites Is Not Enough

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - Cybersecurity expert Alfons Tanujaya has revealed a method for tracking online gambling syndicates that is considered more effective than simply blocking sites or domains to eradicate this cybercrime.

According to Alfons, authorities should not only focus on cutting off access to online gambling websites because the perpetrators can quickly create new sites.

“If we just keep blocking sites, it’s pointless. They simply switch to a new website, and we end up with more hassle,” said Alfons, quoted from Kompas TV on Monday (11/5/2026).

“Actually, identifying them is easy. They need advertisements to find victims. So the task force just needs to follow those advertisements,” he stated.

According to Alfons, this method is similar to handling narcotics cases where authorities go undercover to lure the perpetrators.

“For example, like in drug enforcement, pretending to buy to draw out the culprits. In the case of online gambling, just follow the ads,” he said.

He explained that victims are usually directed to a WhatsApp number or specific contact after clicking on an online gambling advertisement.

“When clicked, it will direct to WhatsApp or a specific number. From there, they will be given a bank account for deposits,” said Alfons.

“Well, don’t block that data right away. Collect it all first,” he added.

According to Alfons, WhatsApp numbers can be traced by authorities through telecommunications providers, while deposit accounts can be analysed to see the flow of funds.

“The WhatsApp number can be traced by the police through the provider. The accounts can be investigated by OJK and PPATK to see the money flow. Once the data is complete, then process it,” he stated.

He also said that foreign servers are not the main obstacle in dismantling online gambling networks.

“If we follow the flow as mentioned earlier, the server’s IP will be revealed. So, block the server’s IP directly,” said Alfons.