ASIATODAY.ID, TANGERANG – Indonesian authorities have uncovered a transnational love scamming syndicate that used Indonesia as a control base for global cybercrime operations, with key roles played by Chinese nationals operating from elite residential areas in Tangerang.
The Directorate General of Immigration confirmed that 27 foreign nationals, the majority from China and Vietnam, were detained during a series of immigration enforcement operations conducted between January 8 and 16, 2026, in Tangerang and South Tangerang.
Immigration Operations Reveal Organized Cybercrime Hub
Acting Director General of Immigration Yuldi Yusman said the case was uncovered following reports from residents about suspicious activities involving foreigners at a house in the Gading Serpong residential complex.
“We carried out intensive immigration surveillance operations across the Tangerang area from January 8 to January 16, 2026,” Yuldi said.
Following surveillance, officers raided the property on January 8, arresting 14 foreign nationals, including 13 Chinese citizens and one Vietnamese citizen. Subsequent raids on January 10 and January 16 at different locations led to the arrest of 13 more foreign nationals, bringing the total to 27 detainees.
All suspects were taken into immigration custody for detention and further investigation.
Luxury Housing Used as Cybercrime Control Centers
During the raids, authorities seized hundreds of mobile phones, dozens of laptops, desktop computers and monitors, along with high-capacity Wi-Fi networks and digital infrastructure.
According to Immigration officials, the seized equipment confirmed that the houses were not ordinary residences but fully functioning cybercrime control centers, designed to run online fraud operations targeting victims overseas.
Global Love Scam Modus Operandi
Yuldi explained that the syndicate targeted South Korean nationals living outside Indonesia. The operation followed a structured love scam pattern.
Suspects initiated contact through Telegram, gradually building emotional relationships with victims. Once trust was established, victims were persuaded to engage in video calls, including sexually explicit video calls.
“The suspects secretly recorded the video calls and later used the recordings to extort money from the victims,” Yuldi said.
Authorities confirmed that no Indonesian citizens have been identified as victims, but stressed that Indonesia’s use as a base for international cybercrime constitutes a serious legal and security violation.
Chinese Nationals Identified as Syndicate Controllers
Immigration investigators identified five Chinese nationals—initials ZK, ZH, ZJ, BZ, and CZ—as the core controllers of the syndicate.
According to officials:
ZK acted as the syndicate leader
ZH served as the financier
ZJ, BZ, and CZ managed operational activities
The suspects deliberately chose gated communities and luxury apartments to minimize exposure and avoid public scrutiny.
Authorities said investigations are ongoing and that other members of the network are still being pursued.
Parliament Warns Indonesia Must Not Become a Safe Haven
The case has drawn strong attention from Indonesia’s parliament. Maruli Siahaan, a member of House of Representatives Commission XIII, warned that the case highlights the growing risk of Indonesia being used as a safe haven for international cybercrime syndicates.
“Many foreign nationals abuse their residence permits to work for transnational cybercrime networks. This is a real threat,” Maruli said during a parliamentary oversight meeting in Banten on January 22, 2026.
He urged tighter supervision of foreign nationals, particularly in closed residential compounds, and called for expanded joint operations between Immigration, police, and other law enforcement agencies.
National Security Alarm
All detainees face serious immigration sanctions, including deportation and blacklisting. However, lawmakers warned that administrative penalties alone are insufficient if Indonesia continues to be exploited as an operational base for global cybercrime.
The Gading Serpong case underscores a growing trend in transnational crime: digitally driven, highly organized networks operating from within national borders while targeting victims abroad.
For Indonesian authorities, the message is clear: the country must close the door to becoming a control hub for international cybercrime—or risk being drawn deeper into global criminal networks. (AT Network)
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