What Visas Did Most Foreign Online Gambling Suspects Hold in Indonesia?

What Visas Did Most Foreign Online Gambling Suspects Hold in Indonesia?

Tempatdonasi.com – Indonesia’s Immigration Directorate has revealed that the majority of 321 foreign nationals implicated in a significant online gambling network in West Jakarta arrived in the country under pre-investment entry permits, prompting concerns about the improper use of immigration documents. These visas, intended to allow individuals to evaluate business prospects before committing to investment, were reportedly exploited by the suspects to work within the gambling operation. The findings highlight potential vulnerabilities in the visa system and its role in facilitating illicit activities.

The arrests took place during a police operation in May targeting a gambling operation based at Hayam Wuruk Tower Plaza. According to immigration authorities, 36 of the suspects used B1 Visit Stay Permits, also known as visa on arrival, which are designed for short-term visits rather than employment. Additionally, 10 individuals entered via C2 business visit visas, while 120 held C12 pre-investment visit permits, and 149 used D12 multiple-entry pre-investment visas. Three others were granted bridging visas while waiting to transition to Limited Stay Permits, and two were already in possession of investor ITAS permits.

“Some used visa on arrival, which is not intended for work. This indicates the misuse of residence permits,” stated Yuldi Yusman, head of Immigration Supervision and Enforcement, during a press briefing at the Indonesian National Police’s Criminal Investigation Agency headquarters on June 26.

Immigration officials have identified 15 companies that served as sponsors or guarantors for the foreign nationals involved in the operation. Among these are PT Klitz Tour and Travel and PT 1688 Prima, both of which Tempo visited in Kelapa Gading, North Jakarta, and Taman Sari, West Jakarta, respectively. During a recent visit to PT Klitz Tour and Travel on June 10, investigators from the Corruption Eradication Commission conducted a search at the company’s office. Employees confirmed that they had processed immigration documents for some of the suspects but denied any direct role in the gambling activities.

The syndicate’s scale and reach have been further exposed through the discovery of 145 gambling websites or domains, nearly double the 75 that investigators initially believed were being managed from the Hayam Wuruk Tower Plaza. This expansion suggests a sophisticated operation that leveraged digital infrastructure to operate across a broader geographic area. The police have also charged four Indonesian citizens—identified by the initials MAP, BT, DFA, and DA—for their involvement in the network, with each playing a distinct role in its functioning.

MAP, one of the suspects, is alleged to have served as the finance administrator for the syndicate and maintained communication with Lio Hongyu, a Chinese national known as Leo or LTH. Investigators believe Lio coordinated the entire operation and departed Indonesia shortly after the May 7 raid, now residing in China. BT, another suspect, is said to have assisted in securing the 20th and 21st floors of the Hayam Wuruk Tower Plaza for the group’s operations. DFA is responsible for setting up bank accounts and ATM cards to support the financial transactions of the syndicate. DA, meanwhile, managed the group’s finances, converted funds into cryptocurrency, and helped facilitate residence permits for the foreign nationals.

The scale of the operation’s financial impact is estimated to be substantial. Over the course of roughly two months, the syndicate processed online gambling deposits totaling Rp13.9 trillion (approximately US$850 million), generating profits of about Rp1.69 trillion before its dismantling. This figure underscores the potential economic loss and the widespread reach of the illegal gambling network. The investigation has also uncovered the complex structure of the syndicate, with suspects operating in roles such as customer service, programming, marketing administration, finance management, and operational training.

Immigration to Question Sponsor Companies

Yuldi Yusman emphasized that the misuse of visas by the suspects is not an isolated incident, with immigration authorities planning to question 15 companies that acted as sponsors or guarantors for the foreign nationals. These companies, including PT Klitz Tour and Travel and PT 1688 Prima, were reportedly involved in facilitating the entry of individuals into Indonesia for work purposes despite the visas being issued for different purposes. The immigration director highlighted the need to scrutinize the companies’ practices and ensure they adhere to visa regulations.

While the companies denied any direct participation in the illegal gambling activities, their role in processing immigration documents raises questions about their oversight. Employees at PT Klitz Tour and Travel acknowledged handling the necessary paperwork for the suspects but claimed they were unaware of the full scope of the operation. Tempo has requested interviews with both companies to gather more information, though no responses had been received at the time of publication.

The situation has sparked a broader discussion on the effectiveness of Indonesia’s visa system in preventing the entry of individuals for work-related purposes. Immigration officials are now reviewing the procedures for issuing pre-investment visas and the responsibilities of sponsor companies in verifying the intent of applicants. The goal is to strengthen the system and reduce the risk of misuse by criminal groups.

Hundreds Named Suspects

Police have officially named 287 of the 321 foreign nationals as suspects, with the majority being Vietnamese, Chinese, Myanmar, Thai, Laotian, or Malaysian citizens. The suspects are believed to have formed a complex network operating across multiple roles, including customer service, programming, marketing, finance, and operational training. This diversity in responsibilities indicates a well-organized structure aimed at maximizing efficiency and minimizing detection risks.

The investigation also revealed that the syndicate’s operations extended beyond the physical premises of Hayam Wuruk Tower Plaza. While the initial focus was on the 20th and 21st floors, the discovery of 145 websites suggests that the group had a significant online presence. This finding highlights the importance of digital platforms in modern criminal activities and the need for more rigorous monitoring of such networks.

As the case continues to unfold, immigration and law enforcement agencies are working closely to identify all individuals involved and ensure that the legal framework is enforced. The charges against the four Indonesian nationals and the 287 foreign suspects mark a major step in dismantling the operation, but the broader implications for visa policies and corporate responsibility remain under scrutiny.

The case has prompted calls for reform in the visa sponsorship process, with officials urging stricter oversight of companies that facilitate the entry of foreign nationals. The potential for misuse has been underscored by the diverse range of visa types employed by the suspects, each chosen to exploit specific provisions of the immigration system. As the investigation progresses, it is expected to provide further insights into how such networks operate and how they can be prevented in the future.