Tangerang Immigration detains five foreigners for international gambling ring

Immigration authorities in Tangerang, Indonesia, have detained five foreign nationals suspected of operating an international online gambling network. The group consists of two Chinese nationals and three Vietnamese nationals, who were apprehended at an apartment in the Kelapa Dua area.

The investigation began when officials discovered discrepancies in the suspects' e-Visa extension applications, specifically regarding falsified return flight tickets. During a subsequent inspection of their residence, officers found an unusual amount of electronic equipment, including one computer, one laptop, and 26 mobile phones operating automatically.

According to Barron Ichsan, Head of the Banten Regional Immigration Office, the two Chinese nationals allegedly served as transaction system operators, while the three Vietnamese nationals were suspected of managing fund flows from online gambling sites disguised as games targeting the Vietnamese market. The operation reportedly generated hundreds of millions of Vietnamese Dong daily.

Authorities are currently investigating the potential involvement of an intellectual actor based in China. Immigration officials have contacted the respective embassies and are continuing to monitor seven other foreign nationals suspected of being linked to the network. The suspects face potential charges under the Indonesian Immigration Law for document forgery and other violations.