HARIANEXPRESS – Indonesia’s Immigration Office has arrested five foreign nationals from China and Vietnam who are suspected of operating an international online gambling syndicate in Tangerang, Banten, (12/9/2026).
The arrests were made following an inspection where officers discovered numerous electronic devices running automatically at their residence.
The investigation began on August 29 when immigration officers received temporary stay permit extension applications from the five suspects. These applicants included two Chinese nationals, WH and ZL, alongside three Vietnamese nationals identified as LVT, DVD, and DIH.
Officers quickly noticed discrepancies in the submitted proof of return tickets, which appeared to belong to other people with altered names. Consequently, the authorities summoned the five foreigners on September 7 for further questioning.
Following the summons, immigration officers conducted a direct inspection of the suspects’ residence in Kelapa Dua, Tangerang District. During this raid, authorities discovered a suspected online gambling setup operating inside the premises.
“During the inspection, our officers confiscated one computer, one laptop, and 26 cellphones,” stated Banten Immigration Office Head Barron Ichsan.
Officials explained that the suspect’s residence contained “an unreasonable number of electronic devices operating automatically.” These automated systems were allegedly used to run the illegal online gambling activities.
An initial investigation revealed that the two Chinese nationals managed the transaction recording systems. Meanwhile, the three Vietnamese nationals were tasked with collecting gambling money from players in Vietnam.
The suspects reportedly generated hundreds of millions of Vietnamese dong daily from these illegal activities. They had resided in Indonesia for only one month prior to their arrest.
The Banten Immigration Office has intensified its search for seven other foreign nationals who managed to flee the scene. Two of these individuals have already been designated on the official “subject of interest” list.
“We will continue our surveillance and take firm action against activities that could disrupt public safety,” Ichsan emphasized.
The five detained suspects will be charged under Articles 122 and/or 123 of the Immigration Law. They face potential prison sentences of up to five years and maximum fines of Rp200 million for stay permit abuse and providing false data.
