Bali police have dismantled a cyber fraud syndicate operating a love scam network from Denpasar, the capital of Bali. The group allegedly targeted male victims in the United States using fake online identities.
Authorities arrested 38 Indonesian citizens, including seven women, during the operation, police confirmed on Wednesday, 11 June 2025.
The investigation was launched following reports of suspicious activities at a rental house in Denpasar. According to Bali Police Chief Inspector General Daniel Adityajaya, the suspects were part of an international cybercrime syndicate.
“The suspects work as operators tasked with finding victims of love scams, targeting American men who have Telegram accounts,” said Daniel during a press conference.
The operation revealed that the syndicate used fabricated online identities by posing as women from the United States and employing stolen profile photos.
Interested victims were persuaded to provide personal information such as full names and addresses.
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Syndicate Controlled from Cambodia
According to Bali Police Cyber Directorate Head, Commissioner Ranefli Dian Candra, the network’s operations were directed from Cambodia. Five individuals initially involved had previously worked in Cambodia under a similar scheme.
“Their network wants to open an office in Indonesia. Five people were assigned to operate the office and recruit workers as broadcasters,” Ranefli explained, as reported by Detiknews.
He further stated that the group began operations in Tabanan before relocating to Badung and eventually to Denpasar. In the syndicate, broadcasters not only recruited victims but could also be promoted to leadership roles.
“Maybe they worked well, so they were appointed as leaders,” Ranefli added.
Ranefli also disclosed that economic motives were the driving force behind the perpetrators’ involvement. Broadcasters reportedly earned bonuses of up to Rp 12 million per month. For each set of victim data successfully submitted and approved by the Cambodian network, operators were paid US$1 in cryptocurrency.
“The more data sent, the higher the bonus. However, the investigation has not yet determined the total number of victims,” he said. “Still further development.”
Legal Charges and Public Appeal
Police have charged the suspects under Article 35 in conjunction with Article 51(1) of Law Number 11 of 2008, as amended by Law Number 1 of 2024 concerning Electronic Information and Transactions (ITE), in conjunction with Article 55 of the Indonesian Criminal Code.
The charges carry a maximum sentence of 12 years imprisonment and/or a fine of up to Rp 12 billion.
Inspector General Daniel Adityajaya concluded by urging the public to remain cautious of online fraud.
“If the public finds suspicious activities that violate the law, immediately report it to us. We will follow up on the report,” he said.
