One Stall Sold For IDR 5 Million: Dozens Of Extortionists In Old Market Tangerang From Different Groups

Officers discipline street vendors in Tangerang Old Market because of extortion/Photo: Jehan/VOI

TANGERANG - Police continue to investigate the case of illegal levies (extortion) in the Old Market area of Tangerang. The Tangerang Metro Police Chief, Grand Commissioner Komarudin, said there were dozens of people suspected of committing extortion at the location.

"If we receive information, overnight, up to 20 people can quote (ask) money from traders," said Komarudin when contacted, Tuesday, February 2, evening.

He said that dozens of people were not from the same network. Komarudin suspected that there were several groups of 20 people suspected of committing extortion.

“Twenty people are different, not in the same network. Allegedly there are several groups inside, our guess is like that," he said.

Currently, the police have arrested five suspected perpetrators of illegal collection (extortion) in the culinary area of the Old Market, Tangerang City. This was stated directly by the Tangerang Metro Police Chief, Grand Commissioner Komarudin.

"While there are only five, from the records of names that we managed to obtain only five and we promise to continue to take firm action against behaviors that disturb public order," said Komarudin.

Komarudin said that the five people were arrested during their actions or while waiting for extortion. The extortion is carried out from various kinds, such as selling merchandise stalls.

"All kinds of things, there are those who receive or collect extortion directly, there are those who sell stalls," he said.

Komarudin assessed that the actions of the perpetrators were very concerning. This is because the stalls being sold do not belong to extortionists.

"So it is important to know that one stall can be sold for up to IDR 5 million, even if there is a receipt. Of course, it needs to be in order, to ensure a smooth investment business climate in Tangerang City," he said.

Therefore, Komarudin hopes that if people become victims of extortion to immediately report to the Tangerang Metro Police. In order to avoid a similar case in the area.

"We from the police take firm action against anyone who interferes or intimidates and so on," he said.