Bali Uncovers Online Gambling Syndicate Run by 35 Indian Nationals

RRI.CO.ID, Denpasar - Bali’s Cybercrime Directorate has dismantled an online gambling syndicate operated by 35 Indian nationals from two villas in Badung Regency.

“Initially, officers detained 39 Indian citizens. Following further investigation, 35 were named suspects, while four others remain as witnesses,” Bali Police Chief Inspector General Daniel Adityajaya said during a press conference in Denpasar on Saturday, Febfruary 7, 2026, as quoted by Antara.

The operation was the result of intensive cyber patrols and investigations into a covert online gambling network. 

On January 15, 2026, the police discovered an Instagram account, Rambetexchange, promoting the gambling site Ram Betting Exchange. Digital forensic analysis revealed links to platforms offering deposit, withdrawal, and operational support services.

Investigators traced the network to two villas: one on Jalan Subak Daksina No. 1, Tibubeneng Village, North Kuta, Badung, and another on Jalan Raya Munggu No. 75, Cepaka Village, Kediri, Tabanan. On February 3, 2026, the police raided both locations, arresting suspects and seizing evidence.

The suspects had entered Indonesia on tourist visas and were running online gambling operations as their livelihood. According to police, each site generated an estimated monthly turnover of around INR 22,980,373 (IDR 4.3 billion), with combined revenues reaching IDR 7–8 billion.

Cybercrime Director Commissioner Aszhari Kurniawan explained that the group had been active since November 2025, promoting gambling sites via Instagram with direct access links. 

“They managed deposits, withdrawals, and customer support using laptops, computers, and mobile phones,” he said.

The syndicate primarily targeted Indian nationals vacationing in Bali. All members, recruited by an Indian organizer, were paid IDR 5 million per month. None had formal employment in India, and they posed as tourists upon arrival.

Evidence seized included three monitors, 42 mobile phones, 15 laptops, three desktop computers, and two routers.

The suspects face charges under Article 27(2) in conjunction with Article 45(3) of Law No. 1/2024 on Electronic Information and Transactions, and/or Article 426(1) of Law No. 1/2023 on the Criminal Code. They face up to nine years in prison and fines of up to IDR 200 million.

Police are continuing investigations in coordination with other agencies to uncover possible wider networks. ***