DENPASAR — Indonesian police have arrested 38 people, including seven women, in connection with a sophisticated love scam network that targeted American men through Telegram, a popular encrypted messaging app.
The syndicate was uncovered after authorities received a tip-off about suspicious behavior at a rented property in Denpasar, the capital city of Bali. A police raid on the house resulted in the arrests, exposing what investigators believe to be a well-organized cybercrime ring operating on the island.
At a press conference held on Wednesday, June 11, Bali Police Chief Daniel Adityajaya explained that the suspects acted as “operators”—individuals trained to initiate and maintain fake online relationships with foreign victims, particularly American citizens.
“The suspects arrested worked as operators whose job was to find love scam victims. They specifically targeted Americans using Telegram,” Chief Adityajaya said.
How the Scam Worked
According to police, the suspects created fake profiles, often posing as attractive women or widows looking for love. They would establish emotional connections over weeks or even months before fabricating emergencies, such as medical bills, travel problems, or family crises, to convince victims to send money.
The fraudulent relationships exploited the victims’ emotional vulnerability, leading to significant financial losses. Authorities are now working with cybercrime units and international law enforcement to trace the scam’s financial transactions and identify potential accomplices abroad.
Syndicate Structure and Investigation
Investigators believe the group operated in a cell-like structure, with each member assigned specific roles—from identifying targets and crafting messages to laundering money via third-party accounts. Police also suspect the scam may be part of a larger transnational crime network that has extended its reach through Southeast Asia.
Evidence seized from the house included mobile phones, laptops, and identity documents, which are currently being analyzed for further leads. The authorities did not disclose the total amount defrauded but confirmed that multiple victims in the U.S. have come forward.
The suspects are expected to face charges under Indonesia’s Information and Electronic Transactions Law, and if convicted, could face up to six years in prison and substantial fines.
Ongoing Efforts and Warnings
The arrests are part of an ongoing crackdown on cyber-enabled scams in Indonesia, which has seen a rise in such activities during the pandemic and post-COVID digital expansion.
Authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant against romance scams, particularly those originating from unfamiliar contacts on platforms like Telegram, WhatsApp, and social media. The Indonesian Police have also pledged to collaborate with foreign governments to dismantle syndicates that exploit online platforms for fraud.
