Indonesia detains 21 foreigners over suspected online gambling operation in Bali

Investigators are examining whether the suspects breached the conditions of their Indonesian residence permits through their alleged online gambling activities.

Indonesia.- Indonesian immigration authorities have detained 21 foreign nationals suspected of operating an international online gambling website from two residential properties in Bali. The operation took place on October 29 at Harvestland Residence in Kuta, Badung Regency, where officers from the Directorate of Immigration Supervision and Enforcement and the Ngurah Rai Immigration Office raided two houses believed to have been used as operational bases.

Officers say they had monitored the properties for several days before conducting the raids, which began at approximately 7am local time. Authorities suspect the group was operating the gambling website macaujc.com, with transactions reportedly handled through China’s Alipay and WeChat Pay platforms.

Officers seized 92 electronic devices during the operation, including 36 personal mobile phones, 29 work phones, 18 laptops, six desktop computers and three iPads. Of the 21 people detained, 12 are from Myanmar, eight from Vietnam and one from China. Those of foreign origin reportedly entered Indonesia using valid visas and stay permits, including those intended for pre-investment visits and remote work. All the suspects and confiscated equipment were handed over to the immigration office for examination.

Director General of Immigration Hendarsam Marantoko said the raid was part of routine surveillance of foreign nationals, particularly in Bali. He said authorities would continue taking action against those suspected of violating immigration regulations or using their permits for unlawful activities.