Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — Indonesian police are intensifying their investigation into allegations of abuse of power related to the blocking of online gambling websites, a case that involves employees of the Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs (Komdigi). In the latest development, Metro Jaya Police have arrested two new suspects, identified by their initials MN and DM.
“We have successfully arrested two other perpetrators in the online gambling case involving officers from the Communication and Digital Ministry,” the Director of Criminal Investigation of the Jakarta Metropolitan Police, Senior Commissioner Wira Satya Triputra, informed in a statement Sunday November 10.
The suspects were apprehended overseas on Saturday November 9 and brought back to Jakarta the following day for intensive questioning.
One of the new suspects, MN, was previously on the police’s most-wanted list in connection with the case. He is alleged to have acted as a middleman between online gambling dealers and Komdigi officials implicated in the misuse of authority to protect gambling sites from being blocked by the ministry.
“MN’s role was to facilitate communication between the gambling dealers and other suspects, some of whom are already in custody,” Wira said.
He added that MN was responsible for providing payments and submitting lists of websites that needed to be protected from government-imposed blocks. “His task was to ensure the protection of certain sites by delivering payments and lists of websites that should not be blocked,” Wira explained.
The police’s investigation into MN led to the arrest of another suspect, DM, who was not previously on their wanted list. “DM assisted MN in his criminal activities, including handling the funds generated from this illegal scheme,” Wira noted.
Seizure of Cash and Luxury Items
During the arrests, authorities seized significant evidence, including cash and assets. The police recovered around Rp3.1 billion ($200,000), comprising Rp300 million ($19,000) in cash and an additional Rp2.8 billion ($180,000) held in various bank accounts. Luxury items, such as gold bars, high-end watches, and even firearms, were also confiscated.
Broader Investigation into Online Gambling Corruption
The online gambling case has so far led to the arrest of 15 individuals, including 11 employees from the Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs (Komdigi). The suspects are accused of abusing their positions to shield certain gambling websites from being blocked, thereby allowing illegal gambling operations to continue.
Bribed Rp8.5 Billions to Protect 1.000 Online Gambling Sites, 11 Komdigi Staff Arrested
Among the 15 suspects, three individuals, identified as AK, AJ, and A, allegedly managed the operations of a “satellite office” dedicated to supporting the illicit activities. And based on the development of the case, the police managed to uncover two new perpetrators who have important roles in this case.
“As part of our ongoing investigation, we are conducting intensive interrogations of all suspects to fully expose the extent of this corruption network,” Wira stated. “The Indonesian National Police is committed to thoroughly investigating and bringing to justice anyone involved in online gambling operations.”
The arrests come amid increased efforts by Indonesian authorities to clamp down on online gambling, which has become a growing issue in the country. The case highlights the challenge of tackling corruption within government agencies tasked with regulating digital spaces.
(Raidi/Agung)
