 |
| Massive Police Raid Uncovers Illegal Gambling in Bandung: 44 Suspects Arrested in Just 3 Days of Operation. |
Bandung, Indonesia – A so-called entertainment venue in the heart of Bandung turned out to be a front for a major illegal gambling operation, and it didn’t take long for the authorities to catch on. Just three days after opening, the venue was busted in a joint operation by the West Java Police (Polda Jabar). The result? 44 suspects arrested and over Rp2.7 billion in frozen bank accounts.
New “Entertainment Spot” Was Just a Cover
At first glance, it looked like a regular fun spot—New Ballroom Billiard, Karaoke, and Live Music on Ahmad Yani Street No.126, Malabar, Lengkong district. But behind the flashing lights and loud music, a darker activity was unfolding: a fully organized gambling den with professional operations.
West Java Police Chief Irjen Pol Rudi Setiawan explained during a press conference on June 18th that the venue had only been operating for three days before being raided in the early hours of June 17th.
“This place had just opened, but it already hosted illegal gambling activities. It shows how determined these people are to operate outside the law. That’s why we, together with Forkopimda, are committed to eliminating any form of illegal activity that disturbs the public,” he said.
63 Detained, 44 Officially Named Suspects
During the police raid in Bandung, a total of 63 individuals were detained. After thorough investigations, 44 of them were named suspects. These included players, cashiers, and other operators involved in managing the illegal setup.
“We’ve identified suspects with initials AP and CW. Around 18 were players, while the rest were working as organizers—cashiers, dealers, etc. All in all, 44 have been charged,” Rudi added.
Millions Seized: Cash, Cards, and Bank Accounts
The raid wasn’t just about arrests—it also resulted in the seizure of significant evidence from the gambling operation, including:
-
Over Rp350 million in cash
-
Gambling equipment
-
ATM cards and bank accounts worth Rp2.7 billion
The police are currently tracing the flow of the money, suspecting the accounts may be directly tied to the illegal gambling revenues.
“We seized ATM cards and accounts totaling Rp2.7 billion. Whether it's all gambling income is still under investigation. We’re tracking the money trail and will follow wherever it leads,” Rudi confirmed.
Polda Jabar’s Strong Stance Against Gambling
This isn’t just a one-time crackdown. Polda Jawa Barat has made it clear they won’t tolerate any form of illegal gambling in Indonesia. Rudi emphasized that the police force, along with local authorities, is united in fighting these crimes.
“We all agree—especially within the police—there’s zero tolerance for any form of illegal activity here in West Java,” he concluded.
A Wake-Up Call for the Public
The case has sparked renewed concern over how fast and quietly illegal gambling can spread—even under the guise of legitimate businesses like karaoke spots or sports centers.
So, here’s a heads-up: don’t get involved in any form of gambling. Whether it’s offline or online, the risks are real—not just legally, but financially and socially.
*READ MORE LATEST NEWS AT GOOGLE NEWS