Indonesia Warns of Becoming Hub for Transnational Cybercrime After Major Raids

Indonesian authorities have warned that the country is emerging as a new hub for transnational online gambling and scam operations, following significant police raids in Jakarta and Batam. On May 6 and 7, 2026, police arrested a total of 531 individuals, predominantly foreign nationals from Vietnam, China, Myanmar, and Laos, who allegedly entered using visa-free or visa-on-arrival facilities. The National Central Bureau of Interpol Indonesia stated that cybercrime networks are shifting from traditional hubs in Cambodia and Myanmar to Indonesia due to successful crackdowns elsewhere. The Jakarta raid targeted an office building in Hayam Wuruk, uncovering 75 illegal gambling domains, while the Batam operation detained suspects at an apartment complex. Authorities seized substantial cash amounts and electronic devices, with initial investigations identifying 275 suspects facing charges for illegal gambling and money laundering. In response to this growing threat, Indonesian police plan to establish a specialized task force to curb these activities and map out the criminal network structures, including identifying masterminds and sponsors behind the operations.