2 Men Admit Journalists Arrested, Blackmailing Victims Of Tens Of Millions With Allegations Of Cheating

JEMBER - Police arrested 2 men who claimed to be journalists. Both extorted the victim up to IDR 17 million.

The two perpetrators who were arrested were MA (41). He is a recidivist in extortion cases and was convicted in 2017.

Another suspect with the initials ME had been involved in the theft of a motorcycle and the case was handled by the Sumbersari Police.

"The two suspects were reported to be victims for allegedly committing extortion by claiming to be journalists", said Jember Deputy Chief of Police, Kompol Kadek Ary Mahardika, Wednesday, June 16.

The extortion took place in the Wuluhan and Jenggawah areas on June 11-12. The Supreme Court suspect asked for a compensation of IDR 17 million.

The modus operandi of the perpetrator admitted that he knew the victim was cheating on him because he left the hotel with someone.

"The reward is intended so that the victim's actions are not exposed in the media", he said.

The two actors share roles. The ME suspect plays a role in finding the victim's target. While the MA threatened with a request for money in return.

"And both of them received money from the victim", he added.

The evidence that was secured by the police in this extortion case included a car, 3 cell phones, IDR 2 million in cash, and a journalist's identification card. The two perpetrators were charged with Article 368 of the Criminal Code concerning extortion.

"The threat is a maximum prison sentence of 9 years. The perpetrator is still in the process of being investigated. Currently, we are continuing to investigate the case", he said.