Bali Police’s Cybercrime Directorate has successfully uncovered a large-scale online gambling operation managed by foreign nationals from India.
The case was revealed at two separate locations in Bali Province, specifically in Badung Regency and Tabanan Regency. During the operation, police detained dozens of Indian nationals who were suspected of acting as operators of online gambling platforms.
The raids were carried out on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at two villas used as operational bases. The locations were in Tibubeneng Village, North Kuta District, Badung Regency, and Munggu Village, Kediri District, Tabanan Regency.
Of the total 39 Indian nationals apprehended, further investigation found that 35 individuals were directly involved in online gambling activities, while four others were not linked to any criminal offense.
This was confirmed by police, stating, “After further investigation and examination, it was found that four of the 39 people were not involved in online gambling crimes”.
Bali Police Chief Inspector General Daniel Adityajaya explained that the 35 Indian nationals had been officially named suspects and placed under detention.
“Meanwhile, 35 other Indian nationals have been named as suspects and detained,” he said during a press conference at the Bali Police Headquarters on Saturday, February 7, 2026.
He emphasized that the case was the result of intensive cyber patrols conducted by the Bali Police Cybercrime Directorate.
Links on Instagram
According to Daniel, the investigation began during cyber patrol activities on January 15, 2026, when officers discovered an Instagram account named Rambetexchange promoting an online gambling site.
Digital forensic analysis revealed that the site was operated from two different locations in Bali. After conducting further surveillance, police proceeded with coordinated raids and arrests.
At the Tibubeneng villa, officers secured 17 suspects, while 18 suspects were arrested at the villa in Munggu Village. Daniel also disclosed the significant financial gains generated by the illegal operation.
“From the operational results of these online gambling sites, the average monthly income reaches Rp 4.3 billion per crime scene. So for two crime scenes, the turnover reaches Rp 7–Rp 8 billion”. he stated.
This indicates that each site generated approximately IDR 4.3 billion per month, with total combined revenue reaching between IDR 7 and 8 billion monthly.
Meanwhile, Bali Police Cybercrime Director Senior Commissioner Aszhari Kurniawan added that the suspects had been operating the online gambling business since November 2025.
The group promoted the gambling sites by distributing links through Instagram accounts, which directed users to access the gambling platforms. Preliminary investigations revealed that the sites were predominantly accessed by Indian nationals.
“The suspects carried out deposit, withdrawal, and support activities on the website using electronic devices such as laptops, PCs, and mobile phones,” Aszhari said.
He further explained that the operators were recruited in India by a financier who promised a monthly salary of approximately IDR 5 million. After being recruited, they were brought to Bali using tourist or visitor visas.
Bali was deliberately chosen as the base of operations to allow the perpetrators to blend in as tourists and conceal their illegal activities. Additionally, the island is a popular destination for Indian travelers.
“So they needed jobs, they were offered jobs, someone offered them jobs, then by fellow citizens there, then they were promised salaries, then they left for Bali, and were prepared.,” Aszhari explained.
For their actions, the suspects have been charged under Article 27 paragraph (2) in conjunction with Article 45 paragraph (3) of Law Number 1 of 2024 on Electronic Information and Transactions, as well as Article 426 paragraph (1) of Law Number 1 of 2023 concerning the Criminal Code. If convicted, they face a maximum prison sentence of up to nine years.
Sources : Kompas.com, RRI.co.id
Feat Image : via Reuters/Dado Ruvic