Police uncover Rp 20bn operation using SIM-based WhatsApp spam and cryptocurrency laundering
Major Raid Targets Cross-Border Gambling Network
Indonesian authorities have made significant progress in their war against illegal gambling with the arrest of 22 individuals tied to a sophisticated online gambling syndicate operating servers in China and Cambodia. The operation, revealed by ANTARA News, was dismantled during coordinated raids across Tangerang, Bogor, and Bekasi on June 13, targeting two major illegal platforms — Akasia899 and Tanjung899.
The syndicate allegedly used local infrastructure to lure Indonesian users while maintaining offshore server operations, a strategy designed to evade direct regulatory oversight. This international aspect adds complexity to the investigation, with cross-border cybercrime cooperation likely to follow.
Massive Profits and Structured Operations
According to Indonesia’s National Police Criminal Investigation Directorate, the syndicate generated between Rp 15 billion and Rp 20 billion (approximately US$1.2 million) in just 10 months. The core leadership group included a financial administrator and three key technical handlers, responsible for managing servers and digital outreach.
Operational staff, numbering in the dozens, were employed as chat operators and digital marketers, earning monthly salaries of Rp 7 million to Rp 10 million (around $420 to $650) — well above minimum wage, likely as incentive for discretion.
Tech-Fueled Advertising Campaigns via WhatsApp
A standout detail in the operation was the use of thousands of Indonesian SIM cards to generate new WhatsApp accounts on a daily basis. These accounts then pushed unsolicited gambling ads, falsely promising easy winnings to lure victims into depositing funds. Authorities believe this strategy enabled the syndicate to reach tens of thousands of users, often bypassing traditional spam detection systems.
The mass seizures from the raids included:
354 mobile phones
23 computers
2,648 SIM cards
18 ATM cards
A modem and one vehicle
Money Laundering via Cryptocurrency and Fake Transactions
To mask the origins of illicit gambling funds, the group reportedly converted profits into cryptocurrency, disguising them as payments for goods and services. This laundering method is becoming increasingly common among illegal online operators, as it allows for easier cross-border fund movement and harder traceability.
The case highlights growing challenges in regulating digital financial flows, particularly when crypto assets and mobile networks are weaponized by bad actors.
Legal Consequences and Policy Implications
The suspects face a range of serious charges under Indonesia’s electronic transactions, criminal code, and anti-money laundering laws. If convicted, they could face prison sentences of 6 to 15 years and fines up to Rp 1 billion (around $60,000).
The case is part of a broader national crackdown following President Joko Widodo’s directive to eradicate online gambling, particularly those preying on vulnerable communities. The government has also created a Task Force on Online Gambling, with recent public pledges to enhance cooperation with tech companies, telecom providers, and financial institutions.
Final Thought
This incident underscores how online gambling in Indonesia is no longer a small-scale vice but a transnational criminal enterprise using advanced digital tactics and financial obfuscation. As the government intensifies enforcement, it will also need to modernize regulatory infrastructure — particularly in areas like crypto monitoring, SIM card control, and platform accountability — to stay ahead of digital gambling syndicates.
