In a startling discovery, Indonesian police dismantled an online gambling operation in Batam run by two siblings. The operation, led by Candra Wijaya and assisted by his older brother Anton Lucian, generated billions of rupiah monthly while exploiting young workers, police revealed. Authorities are continuing investigations into the network’s links to international operations.
The revelation of an illegal online gambling operation in Batam has shocked the public, with two siblings, Candra Wijaya and Anton Lucian, at its helm. The operation involved three websites—Hamsawin, Forwin87, and Botakwin—and exploited young workers, withholding their personal documents to ensure compliance. The police are investigating the network’s connections to international gambling syndicates.
The gambling network operated from apartments in Batam, with Candra controlling operations and Anton serving as the network’s marketer. Police discovered daily revenues reaching IDR 350 million (SGD 29,050), amounting to billions of rupiah monthly.
The network recruited young workers, aged 18–20, from outside Batam, including Jakarta and Jambi. Workers were trapped by withheld identification documents and promises of monthly salaries between IDR 5 million to 8 million (SGD 415–665).
The operation primarily targeted low-income gamblers, requiring minimal deposits of IDR 50,000 (SGD 4.15), but the sheer volume of 5,800 daily players drove massive profits.
Police seized numerous assets, including bank accounts, computers, phones, and a Toyota Raize vehicle. Connections to Anton’s prior arrest on November 12th revealed a family-run operation with links to Cambodia-based websites.
Read More: Online Gambling Bust in Batam Reveals Exploitation and Regional Recruitment
Authorities are now investigating broader networks and evaluating the legal status of the 11 detained individuals, some of whom were underage and potentially forced into compliance.
Batam’s image as a destination for relaxation is overshadowed by such revelations. The case highlights the growing influence of international gambling syndicates in Southeast Asia. Authorities must tackle this issue to restore trust and address the broader societal impact.
Batam police have uncovered a billion-rupiah online gambling network run by siblings, exploiting young workers and generating massive profits. The operation underscores the challenges of illegal activities in Southeast Asia and raises concerns about its social implications.
Sources: Batam News, Batam News (2024)
Keywords: Online Gambling, Batam Bust, Sibling Operators
