Tangerang Immigration Busts International Online Gambling Ring Involving Five Foreign Nationals
Tangerang Immigration in Indonesia uncovered an international online gambling network involving two Chinese and three Vietnamese nationals, after discovering irregularities in their residence permit renewal documents. A raid on an apartment seized computers and dozens of mobile phones. The incident occurred in Tangerang, not on Bali island.
On September 12, 2026, the Immigration Office of Tangerang in Banten Province, Indonesia, announced the discovery of an alleged international online gambling network involving five foreign nationals. The investigation began on August 29, 2026, when immigration officers reviewing residence permit (VOA) extension applications submitted via the e-visa app found suspected forgery in return flight tickets. Those involved were two Chinese nationals identified by initials WH and ZL, and three Vietnamese nationals identified as LVT, DVD, and DIH.
According to Barron Ichsan, head of the Banten Regional Office of the Directorate General of Immigration, a subsequent inspection of the individuals' residences uncovered an unusually large number of electronic devices, which were found operating automatically at the time of discovery. During a search of an apartment in the Kelapa Dua area of Tangerang Regency, officers seized one computer, one laptop, and 26 mobile phones, believed to have been used to automatically operate online gambling activities.
Preliminary investigations suggest the five suspects acted as operators within an international online gambling network, disguising the illegal activity as online gaming operations to avoid detection. All five have been detained by Tangerang Immigration for further questioning, and authorities are investigating possible involvement of additional parties and a broader cross-border cybercrime network.
The incident took place in Tangerang, on the island of Java, not in Bali, and therefore has no direct impact on tourists or residents in Bali. However, it reflects a broader trend of increased enforcement against visa misuse and online crime involving foreign nationals in Indonesia.
Things to Consider
This incident has no direct impact on tourists or residents in Bali, but it serves as a reminder to submit accurate and complete documentationâincluding valid return flight ticketsâwhen applying for residence permit extensions in Indonesia. Foreign nationals should avoid any involvement in online gambling operations, as immigration authorities are actively monitoring visa compliance nationwide. If you notice suspicious activity, such as unusually large numbers of communication devices in residential units, consider reporting it to local immigration or police authorities.
Source: Media Indonesia