Illegal Loans In North Sumatra Dismantled, 2 Suspects Arrested, IDR 37 Million Confiscated

The release of the illegal lenders case by the North Sumatra Police (SPECIAL)

MEDAN - Two suspects for illegal online loans (pinjol) in Tanjungbalai City were successfully revealed by the Special Criminal Directorate of the North Sumatra Police (North Sumatra). Evidence amounting to Rp. 37 million was also secured.

The Head of Public Relations of the North Sumatra Police, Kombes Hadi Wahyudi, said that in the case of the loan, the police received 7 reports. After that the police conducted an investigation.

"From the disclosure, the team succeeded in uncovering the case with the TKP in the Prosperous Village, Tanjung Balai Utara District, Tanjung Balai City," said Kombes Hadi at the North Sumatra Police Headquarters, Friday, November 5.

The suspects who were arrested had the initials AHAS (21) and SY (26). They were arrested at the shop where the pinjol runs. However, another suspect, JF, managed to escape.

"There is one more thing that we are still pursuing and it has been determined, its status as the DPO concerned as the account holder," he explained.

Kombes Hadi explained that the suspects had been carrying out their actions for 6 months. The perpetrators use the mode by creating fictitious business accounts and offering loan services through social media.

"They used the name PT Koperasi Simpan Sejahtera, then he posted to social media accounts Facebook, Twitter and other accounts with the post," said Kombes Hadi.

Furthermore, from that information, the victims contacted the number listed in the suspect's fake post.

"Then after that, they were rewarded with various requirements and an administrative fee of Rp. 500 thousand rupiah for each victim," he said

Then after the victim transferred the money, the suspects blocked the victim's contact.

"So the money went into the account number of one (suspect), who is still being chased," he explained.

From the two suspects, a number of evidences were secured, ranging from cellphones, computers, laptops and tens of millions of rupiah.

"We still have data on the victim (for sure) there are tens of millions of rupiah that we have secured. Approximately Rp. 37 million were secured at the crime scene," he explained.

Kombes Hadi said the money came from dozens of victims who were deceived. However, it is not yet certain how much of the total profit they will get because the account holder is still at large.

"We don't know who has been entered into the account (how many) who have run away (JF) we are still pursuing," he said.

For their actions, they are charged with Article 28 paragraph (1) in conjunction with Article 45A paragraph (1) of the Republic of Indonesia Law no. 19 of 2016 concerning Amendments to Law No. 11 of 2008 concerning Information and Electronic Transactions.

"The penalty is 6 years in prison and a fine of Rp. 1 billion," he said.

Kombes Hadi also emphasized that those who feel they have become victims of debt should report to the police. Kombes Hadi emphasized that the police would immediately follow up.