Online Gambling Den in Hayam Wuruk Uncovered, Resembling Operations in Myanmar and Cambodia
The Criminal Investigation Agency (Bareskrim) of the Indonesian National Police has uncovered an online gambling headquarters in Hayam Wuruk, West Jakarta, naming 287 foreign nationals as suspects. The operation reportedly mirrors similar syndicate bases in Myanmar and Cambodia.
The case began with a raid in May 2026 at Plaza Tower in Hayam Wuruk, West Jakarta, where police initially detained 321 foreign nationals. Following further investigation, not all of those detained were named suspects. Deputy Chief of Bareskrim, Inspector General Nunung Syaifudin, stated that 287 foreign nationals from various countries have been designated as suspects.
The suspects comprise 76 Chinese nationals, three Laotians, two Malaysians, 15 Myanmar nationals, six Thais, and 185 Vietnamese. Additionally, the General Crimes Directorate team at Bareskrim detained four Indonesian citizens suspected of facilitating and participating in the operational activities of the online gambling network. A further 35 foreign nationals remain under investigation regarding their involvement.
Bareskrim also seized electronic evidence including 594 mobile phones, 382 laptops, 179 monitors and computers, 11 Mac Mini units, as well as routers and other digital devices. The suspects held various roles, ranging from customer service to administrators.
Director of General Crimes at Bareskrim, Brigadier General Wira Satya Triputra, explained that the case originated from public reports of suspicious foreign national activity at the Hayam Wuruk Plaza Tower building. Investigations uncovered cross-border online gambling operations on the 20th and 21st floors of the building. Wira noted the activity closely resembled online gambling headquarters in Cambodia and Myanmar.
He suspects the syndicate entered Indonesia because authorities in Myanmar and Cambodia had begun massive crackdowns. Wira stated that 321 foreign nationals were secured during the raid, and the network likely attempted to relocate its operational activities to Indonesia due to the intensified enforcement in those countries.
Deputy Chief of Bareskrim Inspector General Nunung revealed that the Hayam Wuruk headquarters managed 145 online gambling sites. The syndicate used servers located abroad. Digital analysis of one of the suspect’s platforms recorded total deposits of Rp 13.9 trillion, an amount currently under further investigation by the Financial Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (PPATK) and the Financial Services Authority (OJK).
Brigadier General Wira Satya Triputra added that digital forensic analysis showed the syndicate had amassed profits of up to Rp 1.69 trillion. Evidence secured included laptops, computers, and MacBooks, from which the police forensic laboratory discovered a Google Sheet summarising all the syndicate’s financial activities. The data illustrated the circulation of gambling proceeds, with the syndicate using foreign bank accounts for deposits and placing bets. Despite the use of overseas accounts, authorities are collaborating with PPATK to trace the illicit financial flows further.