Indonesian authorities have announced the apprehension of 88 Chinese nationals who are suspected of participating in a transnational telephone and online romance scam network. The arrests followed a tip-off provided by the Chinese security ministry.
On Wednesday, Indonesian police reported the arrest of 88 Chinese nationals suspected of participating in a cross-border telephone and online romance scam syndicate. The tip-off leading to the arrests was provided by the Chinese security ministry.
The detainees, which include five women, were apprehended on Batam island, situated near Singapore, according to Riau Islands police spokesperson Zahwani Pandra Arsyad. They were operating from a shophouse located within an industrial park, where commercial and residential functions intersect. Police believe the suspects are members of a syndicate engaged in telephone fraud and online romance scams.
The primary targets of the scam seemed to be fellow Chinese individuals who were contacted online. The scammers manipulated the emotions of their victims, eventually coercing them into transferring money. The gang is suspected of operating since the beginning of the year, ensnaring hundreds of victims in China. However, the exact amount of money collected remains unclear.
"We are still investigating this case, including whether any Indonesians are among the victims," Arsyad stated. He added that none of the suspects were proficient in speaking or writing Indonesian. "If there are none, we would deport all of them immediately."
According to Arsyad, syndicate members had been entering Indonesia from China for three-month periods since January, using tourist visas. They started executing their criminal activities from Indonesia after China took action against their networks.
Indonesian law enforcement is collaborating closely with immigration authorities and China's Ministry of Public Security to address the suspects.
In a 2019 announcement, the U.S. Federal Trade Commission highlighted that romance-related scams have resulted in more financial losses than any other consumer fraud reported to the agency. Criminals often create fake profiles, building believable personas using others' photos. They establish emotional connections with victims and exploit opportunities to request money, often citing medical emergencies or travel expenses.
A report from the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, released on Wednesday, revealed that criminal gangs have coerced hundreds of thousands of individuals in Southeast Asia into participating in illicit online scams, including fraudulent romantic schemes, fictitious investment pitches, and illegal gambling operations.
The report cited "credible sources" indicating that at least 120,000 individuals in Myanmar and roughly 100,000 in Cambodia might be trapped in situations where they are compelled to engage in online scams.
Indonesia previously arrested 419 Chinese and Taiwanese citizens in 2017 for their involvement in a telephone fraud and online investment scam syndicate. After two months in Indonesian jails and a fine of $770 for violating their tourist visas, they were repatriated to face charges in their respective homelands.
In 2019, Indonesian police arrested 85 Chinese citizens for their participation in a similar case.
%20(1)-Photoroom.png)