Inp.polri.go.id - Denpasar. The Bali Prosecutor's Office has arrested five immigration officials for allegedly extorting money from foreigners using the 'fast track' service at I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport in Bali, antaranews,con reported. Assistant of the Bali Prosecutor's Office Chief  of Special Crimes Dedy Kurniawan said the arrests were made at Ngurah Rai Airport in response to public reports of abuse of the 'fast track' facility. The 'fast track' service prioritises immigration procedures for certain groups, including the elderly, children, pregnant women and migrant workers, in order to speed up international immigration services. Dedy said that the fast track service is free of charge, but these five individuals took advantage of the Immigration Directorate's noble intention. They illegally charged fees ranging from Rp100,000 to Rp250,000 per person, targeting foreigners in particular. "While the 'fast track' service is generally free of charge, these individuals charged fees ranging from Rp100,000 to Rp250,000 per person for foreigners using the 'fast track' facility," he explained on Thursday (15/11/2023). Based on the operation on Tuesday night, Dedy admitted that the abuse of 'fast track' had resulted in the extortion of Rp 100-200 million per month. The exact amount is still under investigation, but the operation resulted in the seizure of around Rp100 million, believed to be illegal profits. Apart from damaging Indonesia's image at a time when the government is trying to improve the investment climate, these practices at I Gusti Rai airport can undermine public services in terms of fair treatment and equal opportunities. Dedy did not disclose the names or initials of the five individuals, citing the confidentiality of the investigation. However, he confirmed their arrest and the ongoing investigation into their criminal activities and the possible involvement of others, as well as the timeframe of the extortion. (mg/inp/pr/nm)