Police Arrest 42 Chinese Citizens Love Scamming Network In Batam

The press conference revealed the case of the love scamming network at the Barelang Police, Wednesday (6/9/2023). (ANTARA/Yude)

The Directorate of Special Criminal Investigation (Ditreskrimsus) of the Riau Islands Police (Kepri) again arrested 42 Chinese nationals on two islands in Batam City, Riau Islands, Tuesday (5/9) night.

The Director of Special Criminal Investigation (Dirreskrimsus) of the Riau Islands Police, Kombes Nasriadi, explained that dozens of Chinese nationals were a love scamming network that had previously been successfully dismantled by Interpol Indonesia and China, which was supported by the Riau Islands Police Ditreskrimsus on August 29, 2023, in Kara Industrial Estate, Batam City.

"The 42 Chinese nationals were arrested on two islands in Behindpadang District, Batam City. On Kasu Island, 10 people were arrested and on Bontong Island 32 Chinese nationals, with details of eight women and the rest being men," Nasriadi said in Batam as reported by ANTARA, Wednesday, September 6.

He said dozens of Chinese nationals fled to the island after hearing disclosures from the first case.

"So when they heard that 88 Chinese nationals were caught in the Kara industry, they immediately fled and crossed by using a pompong to the island. Until now, we are still investigating the residents who helped the escape," he said.

At the time of his arrest, he said, dozens of Chinese nationals were hiding in one of the residents' houses. They had tried to escape into the forest on the island when the police arrived at the location.

"We gave chase and managed to arrest all the suspects on the island. Meanwhile, the owner of the house fled and we are still pursuing it," he explained.

Nasriadi said that from the arrest of these two, his party had also succeeded in arresting the leader of the gang.

"The most valuable of this second arrest is that we arrested the fugitive most wanted by the Chinese Police with the initials LX. He is the leader, as the regulator, and a planner in this plot," he said.

The evidence that was successfully secured from this disclosure was 32 mobile phones, two laptops and Rp79 million in cash and six passports.

"We will investigate where they got the money with this rupiah currency," he said.