[hanomantoto]

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta – The Metro Jaya Police seized over Rp 73 billion of cash from 15 suspects in the alleged abuse of authority in online gambling linked to the Ministry of Communication and Digital (Komdigi) employees. 

The head of the Metro Jaya Police Public Relations Division, Commissioner Ade Ary Syam Ariandi, said the money was found in different currencies: Rp35,792,110,000 and S$2,955,779 (approximately Rp35,043,272,457)

“In addition, we also found US$183,500 (approximately Rp2,888,106,500),” said Ade Ary in his official statement quoted by Tempo on Thursday, November 7, 2024.

Police also seized other evidence, including 34 mobile phones, 23 laptops, 20 paintings, 16 cars, 16 monitors, 11 luxury watches, 4 tablets, 1 motorcycle, and 4 buildings.

“Also 2 firearms and 215.5 grams of precious metal,” said Ade Ary.

The investigators have requested that 47 accounts linked to the suspects be blocked, Ade Ary added, and are currently inventorying the accounts of online gambling websites for blocking purposes. 

“The investigators will keep working to apprehend other suspects and confiscate more pieces of evidence,” he said. 

Alleged abuse of authority in Komdigi online gambling case 

Commissioner Ade Ary Syam Ariandi previously explained that Komdigi employees were authorized to block online gambling sites to prevent widespread access. However, they are suspected of abusing their authority to protect and profit from illegal gambling sites. 

“They were tasked with blocking online gambling sites,” said Ade Ary during a search operation in Bekasi on Friday, November 1.

The suspects admitted to blocking online gambling sites biweekly. To avoid getting blocked, the Komdigi employees charge Rp8.5 million per site. They will block the online gambling sites if the owners fail to deposit the money within two weeks. 

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