Indonesian Police Freeze $9.5 Million Tied to Online Gambling Operations

Indonesian authorities have frozen RP154.3 billion ($9.5 million) linked to online gambling networks, in the latest step of a broad crackdown on illegal digital betting activities.

According to the National Police’s Criminal Investigation Agency, the funds were spread across 811 bank accounts that investigators suspect were either used to process bets or to store the proceeds of gambling transactions.

Senior Commissioner Ferdy Saragih confirmed the action followed recommendations from the Financial Transaction Reports and Analysis Center, Indonesia’s financial intelligence and anti-money laundering body. “There is strong suspicion that the funds originated from online gambling activities. This will not be the last. Police will continue pursuing the perpetrators and networks behind these practices,” Saragih said.

Online gambling is prohibited in Indonesia, but authorities have intensified their campaign against it, extending enforcement to mobile apps and social media platforms. Earlier this month, the Financial Services Authority ordered banks across the country to block close to 26,000 accounts suspected of being tied to digital gambling operations.

Banks have also been directed to carry out enhanced due diligence measures, including verifying account holders against Indonesia’s national identification system before closing accounts identified as suspicious.

The Financial Transaction Reports and Analysis Center disclosed that over 25,000 accounts were flagged for gambling-related activities between 2023 and July 2025, with transaction flows totaling around RP1 trillion during that time.

Officials have said the nationwide crackdown is designed not only to curb financial crime but also to protect vulnerable groups. Illegal betting is seen as particularly harmful to low-income households, often driving families deeper into debt.

“This is part of our commitment to cleaning up the digital space from illegal practices,” Saragih added.

By fLEXI tEAM