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Indonesia freezes 28,000 iGaming-related accounts
Indonesia has taken a strict measure towards online crime by freezing more than 28,000 bank accounts connected to the illegal iGaming with its financial intelligence unit, PPATK.
PPATK’s chief, Ivan Yustiavandana, explained that many of these accounts had either been illegally traded or sat inactive for a long time before suddenly being used for suspicious activity. Acting under a 2010 law, the agency moved quickly to block any financial transactions through these accounts, saying it’s all about protecting the public and keeping Indonesia’s financial system clean.
Yustiavandana stated:
“In accordance with our authority under Law No. 8 of 2010, PPATK has carried out temporary suspensions of customer transactions involving accounts classified as dormant, based on banking data.”
Earlier, Indonesia announced its plan to use AI to combat illegal gambling. While iGaming was the main focus, many of the frozen accounts were reportedly used to hide money from other criminal operations. Criminals have been taking advantage of old, unused accounts to move money quietly.
Publick response
It did not take long for the public to come up with negative responses, especially on social media. Some claim they were not informed that their accounts were going to be frozen. As a reply, the reassurance that no money is lost has been provided to the public. By contacting the bank and going through the reactivation process, all accounts can be successfully reactivated. PRATK reminds the public that the best way to be safe is to stay alert.
FAQs
Is gambling legal in Indonesia?
Gambling in Indonesia is illegal and monitored under strict laws on both online and offline operations.
Who is monitoring the gambling market in Indonesia?
The gambling market in Indonesia is monitored by the Indonesian Ministry of Communication and Digital.
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