Indonesian Authority Arrests 13 Japanese in Scam Raid

TheIndonesia.co - The Bogor Class I Non-TPI Immigration Office arrested 13 Japanese citizens suspected of scamming during a foreigner surveillance operation in the Sentul City area of Bogor District, West Java.

Acting Director General of Immigration Yuldi Yusman stated that the arrests resulted from immigration surveillance activities conducted on March 2, 2026, in the Babakan Madang Sub-district.

"The Bogor Immigration Office's intelligence and enforcement team arrested 13 Japanese citizens suspected of conducting organized online fraud," Yusman remarked, during a press conference on Wednesday, March 4, as quoted by Antara.

According to the investigation, the suspects are believed to have carried out fraudulent schemes targeting Japanese citizens abroad by impersonating Japanese police officers.

Officers also seized various pieces of evidence, including a large quantity of communication devices, digital documents containing scripts and operational manuals, and paraphernalia resembling Japanese police uniforms.

Based on an examination of immigration documents, one individual entered Indonesia using a visa on arrival. Meanwhile, the other 12 individuals used index D12 visitor visas, which are intended for pre-investment activities.

"These foreign nationals are suspected of misusing their stay permits by engaging in activities inconsistent with the purpose of their visas," Yusman noted.

He explained that the syndicate's scheme included posing as officers from a Japanese telecommunications provider. They intimidated victims through phone calls and video calls using the LINE app.

Victims were then directed to a fraudulent website displaying an arrest warrant purportedly issued by Japanese authorities. They were subsequently coerced into providing financial data, liquidating investments, and transferring large sums of money.

The 13 Japanese citizens have been taken to the Bogor Class I Non-TPI Immigration Office for further investigation regarding the alleged misuse of their stay permits in accordance with Law Number 6 of 2011 concerning Immigration.

The Directorate General of Immigration will coordinate with relevant agencies, including the Japanese Embassy in Indonesia, to investigate the possibility of transnational criminal elements in this case.