Fake Account Mode, 65 Victims Of Immoral Acts Revealed In Southeast Maluku

Illustration of criminals arrested (VOI)

AMBON - The Southeast Maluku Resort Police (Polres) arrested KT alias Conven, a suspect in sexual harassment who ensnared at least 65 victims with social media-based fraud modes.

"Of that number, eight victims are known to have been sexually assaulted by the perpetrator. Currently, the perpetrator has been named a suspect and is currently being held at the Malra Police detention center," said Malra Police Chief AKBP Rian Suhendi, quoted by ANTARA.

He revealed that this case began when the suspect created a fake account on Facebook, then persuaded one of the victims, namely "Melati", to send a nude photo.

The photo was then used by the suspect to threaten the victim. He threatened to spread the photo to social media if the victim did not obey the wishes to have a husband and wife relationship.

Feared, the victim finally complied with the suspect's request. The sexual intercourse was carried out at the suspect's house in Ohoi Kolser, Kei Kecil District, Malra Regency, Maluku Province.

"The suspect was charged with Article 285 of the Criminal Code, Article 27 Paragraph (1) in conjunction with Article 45 Paragraph (1) of Law Number 11 of 2008 concerning ITE, and Article 14 Paragraph (1) letter a of Law Number 12 of 2022 concerning the Crime of Sexual Violence (TPKS), with a maximum penalty of 12 years in prison," said the Police Chief.

Furthermore, the results of the investigation revealed a number of other fake accounts belonging to the suspect which were used in a similar mode. From the police records, there were as many as 65 victims who were entangled.

The police chief emphasized that his party is committed to providing protection, protection, and services to the community. He also appealed to the public to be wiser in using social media and be careful in establishing interactions with foreigners.

The police reminded that technological developments in addition to providing convenience are also prone to misuse for criminal acts, so people are advised to increase vigilance.

"Especially for parents, in order to continue to supervise and educate children in using social media," he appealed.