Hong Kong Police Arrest 14 Indonesian Citizens, Ministry Of Foreign Affairs Reminds Not To Be Easily Motivated By Money Laundering Mode

Dir PWNI Kemlu RI Judha Nugraha. (VOI/Fauzi)

JAKARTA - The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia revealed that as many as 14 Indonesian citizens (WNI) suspected of being migrant workers were arrested by the Hong Kong police for allegedly being related to money laundering (TPPU).

"The Indonesian Consulate General in Hong Kong informed that here is the 28th, 20 people were arrested by the Hong Kong police, 14 of whom are Indonesian citizens and 6 Hong Kong citizens," said the Director of Protection for Indonesian Citizens at the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a press statement in Jakarta, May 29.

Judha said they were suspected of being involved in a TPPU crime and are currently under investigation.

He explained that the Hong Kong police would immediately convey in writing the details of the names of Indonesian citizens to the Indonesian Consulate General in Hong Kong.

"The Indonesian Consulate General in Hong Kong asked for consular access to visit those suspected of being related to money laundering offenses," he said.

Judha explained that the 14 Indonesian citizens who were arrested were suspected of being migrant workers, they were asked by a TPPU syndicate to open an online bank account.

Then, continued Judha, the online bank account was allegedly used to accommodate proceeds of crime. He also appealed to Indonesian citizens in Hong Kong not to be easily persuaded by money laundering modes.

"Our message is to be careful of money laundering modes, not easily tempted when there is a request to open an online bank account and then lend or use it by syndicates to accommodate unclear funds, although he may get money from it," Judha said.