Polda Metro Jaya Uncovers Online Scamming Syndicate Targeting Stock and Crypto Investors

Jakarta, Xweb.biz.id – The Polda Metro Jaya has successfully uncovered a large-scale online scamming operation that targeted victims through fraudulent stock and cryptocurrency investments. The scammers lured victims by promising profits of up to 150 percent through social media platforms like Facebook.

Kombes Pol. Roberto GM Pasaribu, Director of Cyber at Polda Metro Jaya, revealed that the perpetrators used sophisticated information technology to manipulate their victims. “They preyed on victims by offering high returns, convincing them to invest without realizing they were being deceived,” Roberto said during a press conference on Friday.

The scam resulted in losses exceeding IDR 18.3 billion (IDR 18,332,100,000), with eight victims reporting their cases. The police have identified several reports from Polda Metro Jaya and various regional police stations, including East Java and Yogyakarta. So far, we have received three police reports from Polda Metro Jaya and three more from the Polres ranks, in addition to reports from East Java and DIY Police,” Roberto explained.

Two suspects have been arrested in connection with the scam. One suspect, identified as YCF, is a Malaysian national, while the other, SP, is an Indonesian citizen. Roberto explained that YCF entered Indonesia to recruit SP, who was tasked with creating fake accounts and setting up fictitious companies that would be used to cover the fraudulent stock investments. “SP played a crucial role in recruiting people to lend their identities for opening accounts and registering companies, which were later used as a facade for fake shares,” Roberto added.

YCF provided the necessary capital and funds to SP to create the fake companies and accounts. The suspects then took company documents, accounts, and mobile devices, which were later transferred to a network in Malaysia for conducting online fraud activities. “They used Indonesian SIM cards and phones, which were then sent to their Malaysian network to continue the scam,” Roberto explained.

The suspects now face several charges, including violations of Article 45 A paragraph 1 and Article 28 paragraph 1 of Law Number 1 of 2024 concerning Information and Electronic Transactions. They are also charged under Article 378 of the Criminal Code and various sections of the Money Laundering Prevention Law (TPPU), including Articles 3, 4, and 5 of Law Number 8 of 2010.

This arrest comes amid growing concerns about the rise of online fraud, particularly in the rapidly growing sectors of cryptocurrency and online investments. Polda Metro Jaya has vowed to continue its efforts to combat such scams and protect the public from falling victim to these fraudulent schemes.

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