Indonesian authorities have arrested 197 people, including two Singaporeans, following a major raid on an alleged illegal casino operation in Batam.
The enforcement operation took place on Aug 15 at Nine Stage Lounge and Bar at around 9.30pm, after Indonesian police spent several months investigating reports of gambling activities at the premises.
The raid involved dozens of armed officers who surrounded the building, which reportedly occupied about 20 shophouse units. Officers remained at the location for roughly three hours while investigations were carried out and those detained were taken away in police vehicles.
Police Spent Months Investigating Gambling Operation
According to Indonesian authorities, the operation followed an investigation lasting between two and three months. The investigation was launched after police received information from members of the public about alleged illegal gambling activities at the premises.
Inspector General Nunung Syaifuddin, deputy head of the Criminal Investigation Unit of the Indonesian National Police, said investigators were continuing to question those detained following the raid.
Among those being investigated are managers who are suspected of having played important roles in running the gambling operation.
Residents living near the venue reportedly said arcade-style gaming machines had operated on the ground floor for some time. Police believe gambling activities were taking place on the second and third floors of the building.
The large-scale operation resulted in the detention of both gamblers and people allegedly involved in running the establishment.
Two Singaporeans Among Foreign Gamblers
Of the 197 people detained, police identified 96 as gamblers. Ten of the gamblers were foreign nationals, including seven Chinese citizens, two Singaporeans and one Malaysian.
The other 101 people detained were allegedly connected to the operation itself.
They included the owner, two managers, five cashiers, one supervisor, 25 people responsible for exchanging chips, 65 dealers and two marketing staff.
Police are now investigating the roles played by those detained as part of a wider criminal investigation into the alleged illegal gambling business.
Authorities are also examining whether funds generated through the operation could have been connected to money laundering.
S$520,731 Found Inside Three Safes
Police said the raid also resulted in the seizure of three safes containing 7.29 billion Indonesian rupiah, equivalent to approximately S$520,731.
The substantial amount of cash has become a key part of the investigation as authorities seek to establish how the money was generated and who controlled the funds.
The case highlights the potential legal risks for Singaporeans who participate in gambling activities overseas, particularly where the activity is operated illegally under local law.
Indonesian authorities said those convicted of gambling-related offences could face up to 15 years in prison, depending on the charges and circumstances of the case.
Investigations into the 197 people detained are ongoing, and authorities have not yet disclosed further details about the identities of the two Singaporean nationals.