The Directorate General of Immigration, in coordination with the Indonesian National Police, is investigating 320 foreign nationals suspected of involvement in an international online gambling syndicate.
The online gambling operation, uncovered in the Hayam Wuruk area of West Jakarta, involved 224 men and 96 women.
Previously, on Saturday, the 9th of May, the Indonesian National Police arrested 321 people in connection with an international online gambling network. They consist of 228 Vietnamese, 57 Chinese, 13 Burmese, 11 Laotians, five Thais, three Malaysians, and three Cambodians. Another native Indonesian is being processed by the National Police Criminal Investigation Unit as well.
On the following day (Sunday, the 10th of May), all male detainees were transferred to the Jakarta Immigration Detention Centre, while the female detainees were placed under the supervision of the Directorate General of Immigration for further investigation into their immigration status as well as their alleged violations.
The investigation revealed that the majority of the foreign nationals were using Visit Stay Permits, Visas on Arrival (VoA), and Visa-Free Visit facilities. In addition, 15 sponsors were identified as being responsible for the aforementioned foreign nationals’ presence in Indonesia.
In response to the recent rise in criminal cases involving foreign nationals, the Director General of Immigration, Hendarsam Marantoko, emphasised that monitoring the whereabouts and activities of foreigners would continue to be strengthened. Moreover, in handling suspected offences, the Directorate General of Immigration asserted that it not only targets individual foreign nationals but also conducts in-depth investigations into their sponsors or guarantors.
On top of that, the immigration authorities also have the right to take legal action if either the foreign national or their sponsor is suspected of involvement in the crime.
“As stipulated under the Immigration Law, our investigators also have the authority to legally process alleged immigration offences committed by either foreign nationals or their sponsors,” asserted Marantoko in a press statement on Tuesday, the 12th of May.
Marantoko also added, “From an immigration oversight perspective, we emphasise that only foreigners who provide benefits and do not endanger public security and order may remain in Indonesian territory. Any violations, including involvement in illegal activities such as online gambling, will be strictly prosecuted in accordance with statutory regulations.”