Warnet In Medan Turned Into An Online Gambling Arena, 16 Gamblers Arrested

Illustration of criminals arrested (ANTARA)

A joint team from the Narcotics Unit and the Criminal Investigation Unit of the Medan Police, North Sumatra raided two locations of online gambling arenas under the guise of internet stalls (warnets) in the Medan Petisah sub-district and Medan Denai sub-districts, Medan City, North Sumatra. A total of 16 gamblers, as well as internet cafe operators, were arrested by officers.

The police carried out a raid after receiving information from the public who was worried about online gambling activities and drug abuse at a cafe, on Mayang Street, Sekip Village, Medan Petisah District, Medan City. Officers then formed a joint team and went straight to the internet cafe location.

When raided, officers found a number of people who were busy playing online gambling. Officers immediately secured the gamblers and conducted a urine test.

Officers then carried out raids on a internet cafe on Jalan Menteng Raya, Medan Denai District. A number of gamblers were immediately secured and tested urine. At this location, officers secured eight players and an internet cafe operator.

Medan Police Chief Commissioner Teddy Jhon Marbun said the raid began with reports from people who were worried about internet cafes who could play online gambling and also be used as locations for drug abuse. "We get information that there is the use of methamphetamine and online gambling games, so joint officers from the Narcotics Unit, Satreskrim, and Satsamapta carry out raids. In addition, there are also users of methamphetamine," said Teddy, Thursday, April 18.

Teddy revealed that two internet cafe operators were arrested for their role in filling digital deposits or money into gambling accounts for online gambling players.

"So the operator with the initials AAT fills the deposit on the accounts of the gamblers through the QRIS application. The players can directly play online gambling at the internet cafe," he said.

The officers also secured 16 internet cafe computers, cash, and two units of the operator's cellphone.