Bareksrim Captures 55 Chinese Citizens Syndicated International Fraud 'Telecom Fraud'

Bareskrim Polri arrested 55 citizens from China, the international network of fraud. (Rizky A-VOI)

The Criminal Investigation Unit of the National Police arrested 55 foreign nationals (WNA) suspected of origin of China. They are involved in an international fraud syndicate operating in Indonesia.

"There is a criminal act of telecom fraud on international networks allegedly committed by foreign nationals," said Director of General Crimes Brigadier General Djuhandani Rahardjo to reporters, Wednesday, April 5.

The disclosure began with information on suspicious activities in three locations. Thus, followed up with investigation steps.

The three locations include Duren Sawit District, East Jakarta; Pasar Minggu and Kebayoran Baru, South Jakarta.

"We carried out an investigation and it was true yesterday, Tuesday, April 4, 2023, around 10 o'clock, we carried out checks and action against the three locations of prosecution," he said.

Of the three locations, dozens of foreigners were found with details of 50 men and 5 perempun. However, it is not certain where they came from. Because, no passports were found from the dozens of people.

In addition, there are also 6 Indonesian citizens (WNI). They only play a role in preparing meals for the 55 foreigners.

From the results of the investigation, the 55 foreigners were suspected of committing fraud against residents of Mainland China, Thailand, and Singapore. However, it was carried out in Indonesia.

The mode used is pretending to be law enforcement officers. Then, call or contact the victim via WhatsApp.

They blackmailed their victims. Then, the proceeds of the crime were accommodated in accounts outside Indonesia.

In addition, the perpetrators also offered electronic items such as laptops or tablets. However, after the transaction, the perpetrator did not send the item.

"This is part of the mode carried out. So the actions they did within one month reaped billions of profits," said Djuhandani.

However, they will not undergo a criminal process in Indonesia because of the scene of fraud abroad. Thus, they will be deported and account for their actions in their country of origin.

"The law that applies in Indonesia is to adhere to the principle of locus and tempus, while based on the results of the investigation we can currently have the victims abroad. So we will carry out a follow-up plan for the police to police by coordinating further with the Police International Relations Division or Immigration," said Djuhandani.

From the arrest, a number of evidences were confiscated, such as 51 iPads, 68 cellphones, 7 laptops, 1 headseat box, 1 printer, 3 keyboards, 4 modems, 2 tokens, 3 laptop chargers, 1 cellphone charger, and 1 DVR.

Then, there are 2 boxes of work boxes, 1 case of notes, 2 passports, 1 bond of Telkomsel sign card, 12 wallets, 1 bundle of identity cards, 1 flashdisk, 1 bundle of cash in rupiah and yuan.