A police raid on online gambling operations in Batam has revealed shocking details of worker exploitation and forced isolation. Workers recruited from Jambi, Jakarta, and Bandung were confined to apartments and tasked with recruiting gamblers through WhatsApp. Authorities arrested 11 suspects and dismantled three online gambling applications.
In a major crackdown, Batam police raided apartments used for running online gambling operations. The raids, conducted at Aston Pelita and Formosa Residences on November 22, uncovered a network exploiting workers recruited from outside Batam. These workers were confined to their rooms, with their personal documents withheld, forcing them to stay and work under strict surveillance.
The workers, primarily from Jambi, Bandung, and Jakarta, were lured with promises of high salaries ranging from IDR 5 million (S$415) to IDR 8 million (S$665) per month. To prevent escape, their identification documents were confiscated, and their movements restricted to their apartments.
These workers were tasked with recruiting players for three gambling sites operated by a man named Chandra Wijaya. Using WhatsApp, they were required to bring in at least 250 new players monthly, each with a minimum deposit of IDR 50,000 (S$4).
The gambling operation generated a staggering daily turnover of IDR 350 million (S$29,000) by attracting approximately 5,800 players daily. The operators’ isolated living conditions ensured secrecy and operational continuity.
The raid resulted in the arrest of 11 suspects, including Chandra, who managed three gambling applications. These suspects, aged between 18 and 20, have been taken into custody and will face legal proceedings.
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The raid resulted in the arrest of 11 suspects, including Chandra, who managed three gambling applications. These suspects, aged between 18 and 20, have been taken into custody and will face legal proceedings.
This case underscores the importance of vigilance in safeguarding regional security and ethical practices. The operation’s takedown also reinforces the commitment of local authorities to combat illegal activities impacting the community.
Batam police uncovered an illegal online gambling operation exploiting workers confined to apartments. With 11 arrests, including the operator, authorities aim to end worker exploitation and illegal gambling in the region.
Sources: Batam News, Detik.com (2024)
Keywords: Online gambling, exploitation, regional recruitment
