Police Arrested A Woman, Perpetrator Of Online Arisan Fraud In Tanjungpinang

TANJUNGPINANG - The Tanjungpinang Police Team, Riau Islands (Kepri) arrested a woman with the initials ES in connection with allegations of embezzlement and fraud under the guise of online social gathering (arisan).

Tanjungpinang Police Head of Criminal Investigation Unit Commissioner Adjutant Awal Sya'ban Harahap said the perpetrator was arrested at her residence, Bakar Batu Street, Tuesday, February 8.

The arrest of the perpetrator after a report from the victim was then handled by the Tanjungpinang Police Investigating Team for Certain Crimes.

"From the results of the case, ES has been named a suspect in embezzlement and fraud," said Awal, in Tanjungpinang, quoted by Antara, Wednesday, February 9.

Early explained that this case began in November 2021, when ES as the owner of the Arisan Confiance Group presented a new type of social gathering game, namely Onepay.

The perpetrator then opened a WhatsApp group to attract the attention of potential members or participants. To members, the perpetrator conveys that the arisan she manages is a legal entity and is trusted.

The member then transfers the specified arisan money to the perpetrator's bank account.

After it was the victim's turn to get the arisan money, the perpetrator did not hand over the arisan money to the victim.

Feeling cheated, the victim then reported the incident to the authorities. "The total loss is IDR 23.5 million," he said.

To investigators, Awal said, the perpetrator admitted that the fraudulent money amounting to IDR 23.5 million was used for her personal interests.

As a result of her actions, the perpetrator, who is suspected of acting as the admin of the online social gathering, can be charged with Article 372 and Article 378 of the Criminal Code with a maximum penalty of 4 years in prison.

"The perpetrator has been detained for further legal proceedings," Awal said.