The Bogor Immigration Office arrested 13 foreign nationals from Japan suspected of involvement in online fraud.
The foreigners were arrested during an immigration surveillance operation in the Babakan Madang area, Bogor Regency, on Monday evening, the 2nd of March. The operation stemmed from intensive surveillance conducted by the Immigration Intelligence and Enforcement Team over the past few days. Officers had previously detected suspicious activity in a residential area in Sentul, Bogor, involving several foreigners.
During raids on three different homes, officers found 13 men of Japanese nationality. Document checks on the spot revealed that one of them was unable to produce his original passport when requested by officers. The foreigners were suspected of operating an online fraud scheme targeting victims in their home country.
The Head of the Bogor Class I Non-TPI Immigration Office, Ritus Ramadhana, emphasised that this action demonstrates the Immigration Office’s commitment to maintaining legal sovereignty and regional security from the misuse of stay permits.
“Supervising foreigners is our duty and function to ensure that every foreign citizen in Indonesian territory complies with applicable laws. In this case, we took professional and measured action after going through a thorough monitoring process,” said Ramadhana in a press release dated Tuesday, the 3rd of March.
In addition to apprehending the foreigners, officers also confiscated several pieces of evidence supporting the suspicion of cybercrime activity, including paraphernalia resembling Japanese police uniforms and identification badges; dozens of mobile phones and computers; signal boosters and jammers; and various other supporting electronic devices.
The 13 Japanese nationals have been taken to the Bogor Class I Non-TPI Immigration Office to undergo intensive questioning. The investigation will focus on the misuse of stay permits under Law No. 6 of 2011 concerning Immigration, as well as an in-depth investigation into alleged cross-border fraud.
“Our officers will conduct a thorough investigation of the individual concerned and coordinate with relevant agencies, including the police and relevant state representatives—if any broader criminal elements are found,” added Acting Director General of Immigration, Yuldi Yusman.