World

Indonesia investigates suspected transnational online scam ring after 26 foreigners detained

Head of the Ngurah Rai Immigration Office Bugie Kurniawan said the suspects came from several countries, including the Philippines. The case is being handled by Denpasar city's police in coordination with Bali provincial police to determine possible charges.

Jakarta (VNA) – Indonesian authorities are expanding an investigation into a suspected transnational online scam network after 26 foreign nationals were detained on the resort island of Bali.​

According to a statement released on May 5 by Bali’s immigration authority, the group is being held for further investigation. The authorities are also coordinating with embassies in Jakarta to determine whether any of the detainees are subject to international arrest warrants. ​

Head of the Ngurah Rai Immigration Office Bugie Kurniawan said the suspects came from several countries, including the Philippines. The case is being handled by Denpasar city's police in coordination with Bali provincial police to determine possible charges.​

Kurniawan said investigators have not ruled out the possibility that the case may involve not only online fraud but also elements of human trafficking or forced labour linked to cyber-enabled criminal activities.​

These foreign nationals were detained on April 27 during a raid on a hotel in Kuta, Badung regency, one of Bali’s best-known tourist areas. The operation was launched after the Philippine Embassy in Indonesia reported that several of its citizens might have been held there and forced to take part in online scam operations.​

During the raid, several individuals were unable to present valid travel documents. Police also seized mobile phones, laptops, internet networking equipment and other items believed to have been used in the suspected scam activities.

Local media reported that several rooms at the hotel had been converted into makeshift offices used to run online fraud operations.​

The case has renewed concerns that Bali could be exploited by transnational cybercrime networks. In recent years, Indonesian authorities have uncovered a number of cross-border fraud cases involving foreign nationals on the island.​

In 2024, authorities arrested more than 100 suspects accused of operating an online scam network targeting victims overseas. Early last year, three other suspects were detained in Bali for allegedly carrying out online fraud schemes targeting people seeking opportunities to move to Canada./.

​

VNA
#Indonesia #Bali #transnational online scam network #transnational cybercrime Indonesia
Follow VietnamPlus

Related News

Authorities in Banteay Meanchey province raids a building used for online fraud in Poipet city, arresting more than 270 people and seizing a large amount of evidence in July (Photo: AKP/VNA)

Cambodia proposes life imprisonment for leaders of online scam networks

A 2024 report by the United States Institute of Peace estimated that illicit revenues from online scams in Cambodia could exceed 12.5 billion USD annually, equivalent to roughly half of the country’s GDP. Prime Minister Hun Manet has previously said the scam centres are seriously damaging Cambodia’s economy and international image, pledging to “clean up” the problem.

See more

Pressure on the rupiah has mounted as global oil prices surge amid Middle East tensions and developments involving Iran, increasing Indonesia’s energy import costs. (Photo: AFP/VNA)

Indonesia’s rupiah hits record low amid market turmoil

The Indonesian rupiad at one point on May 18 dropped more than 1% to around 17,668 IDR per USD, its weakest level on record. Indonesia’s benchmark stock index also plunged more than 4% after a long holiday, reflecting growing investor concerns.

Malaysian Deputy Minister of Communications Teo Nie Ching. (Photo: Bernama)

Malaysia records sharp rise in online scam losses

Teo revealed on May 16 that online scam losses in Malaysia reached 2.77 billion RM (about 700 million USD) last year, compared with 1.28 billion RM in 2023 and 1.57 billion RM in 2024. Investment scams accounted for the largest share of the losses.

Scientists discover largest dinosaur species ever found in Thailand

Scientists discover largest dinosaur species ever found in Thailand

According to the researchers, Nagatitan Chaiyaphumensis belonged to the Titanosauridae family, a group of herbivorous dinosaurs characterised by their long necks and tails. The species is estimated to have measured between 27 and 30 metres in length and weighed more than 26 tonnes.

Cambodia lowers 2026 economic growth forecast to 4.2%

Cambodia lowers 2026 economic growth forecast to 4.2%

According to the medium-term fiscal framework for 2027-2029 recently published by Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, Cambodia is navigating a transition against a backdrop of protracted global crises, including rising protectionism, trade wars, geopolitical and geo-economic tensions, and increasingly severe impacts of climate change and natural disasters as well.

Thailand enters 2026 rainy season

Thailand enters 2026 rainy season

According to forecasts by the Thai Meteorological Department (TMD), Thailand entered the rainy season, after key meteorological conditions met the criteria for the start of the season.

Agriculture Minister Andi Amran Sulaiman (second from the right) checked the Bulog's rental warehouse in the Romokalisari Warehouse Complex, Surabaya, East Java on May 13, 2026. (Photo: Antara)

Indonesia records highest-ever rice reserves

The figure marks the highest level of rice stocks in Indonesia’s history as the country steps up policies aimed at boosting agricultural output and strengthening national food security.

Philippines warns of power cuts as heat strains grids

Philippines warns of power cuts as heat strains grids

The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) issued a red alert, warning of potential outages of up to seven hours in 32 areas across the Visayas grid, and hour-long outages in nine areas across Luzon, including the capital Manila.

Myanmar steps up efforts to prevent cybercrime

Myanmar steps up efforts to prevent cybercrime

A Myanmar bill proposes the death penalty as the highest punishment for individuals who illegally abduct, abuse, torture or detain others to coerce them into committing online fraud. It also proposes a maximum sentence of life imprisonment for individuals directly operating scam centres or engaging in fraud involving digital currencies.

Vietnam win 3–2 over the UAE in the final Group C match of the AFC U17 Asian Cup 2026 in Saudi Arabia on early May 14 (Vietnam time). (Photo: Vietnam Football Federation)

Thai media hail Vietnam U17s after dramatic comeback victory

The Thai Youth Football fanpage published an article praising the Vietnamese “golden star warriors” for displaying extraordinary fighting spirit in overturning the match to defeat the UAE 3–2, thereby topping Group C for the first time and earning a place at the U17 World Cup in Qatar later this year.

Electric vehicles line up at charging ports in a Manila mall. (Photo: philstar.com)

Philippines moves closer to launching EV incentive programme

Secretary of Finance Frederick Go said on May 13 the EV Incentive Strategy (EVIS) may be released soon. The EVIS has already been presented to President Marcos, but the Board of Investments (BOI) is still working with other agencies in the Fiscal Incentives Review Board (FIRB) on the details of the programme.