On Wednesday, the 5th of April 2023, the criminal investigation division (Bareskrim) of the Indonesian National Police (Polri) reported the apprehension of 55 foreigners from China who were part of an international online fraud ring working in Indonesia. In a press conference held at the Bareskrim headquarters, director of general crimes Djuhandani Rahardjo said that the Bareskrim got a tip that led to a field probe at three sites thought to be the scene of the online fraud.
On the 5th of April, Djuhandani stated, “We started an investigation, and on Tuesday, we checked and raided three locations under our radar.” The three locations were Pasar Minggu, Duren Sawit, and Kebayoran Baru in South, and East Jakarta, respectively. Police detained six Indonesians who they believe were merely hired hands for these locations, along with 55 foreigners who did not have IDs and were believed to be part of international online fraud syndicates.
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According to early interrogation, they are suspected of conducting online fraud against Mainland China, Thailand, and Singapore residents. The police also discovered that this syndicate was well known for marketing fake electronic goods and posing as law enforcement when reaching its victims. Following their theft, these scammers used a trust account outside of Indonesia to clean up their cash.
Before taking further judicial action, the officers have coordinated with immigration and the National Police’s international division since the perpetrators and victims are primarily foreign nationals.
This case is considered one of Indonesia’s biggest foreign online fraud cases, with 55 foreigners detained and ready to get deported & handed over to Interpol possibly. The Indonesian Police Department is trying to handle this case carefully since the money is enormous. Most of it gets laundered overseas even though they reside in Indonesia.
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