Inp.polri.go.id - Jakarta. The Indonesian National Police (INP) are heightening vigilance against international online scam syndicates shifting their operations into Indonesia following a joint operation with the Directorate General of Immigration that led to the arrest of 210 foreigners in Batam for alleged fraudulent trading activities.

"This phenomenon shows a pattern of shifting operational areas. As scammers are cleared out of Cambodia, Myanmar, Laos, and Vietnam, they are spreading to Indonesia as a new destination," said Brigadier General. Untung Widyatmoko, the Secretary of NCB Interpol Indonesia, on Friday (8/5/2026), as cited by antaranews.com. 

He emphasized that authorities are strengthening preemptive measures to ensure Indonesia does not become a "safe haven" for cybercrime.

Investigations into the Batam arrests revealed that the suspects targeted victims in Europe and Vietnam using fictitious investment platforms. Interpol Indonesia is currently sharing data with the suspects' home countries and investigating whether any Indonesian citizens have fallen victim to these transnational syndicates.

(mg/inp/pr/rs)