Inp.polri.go.id - Bandar Lampung.  Lampung Police have uncovered a new extortion scheme where street thugs use registered business entities to legitimize their illegal activities. The case emerged during the 2025 Krakatau Operation targeting street crime and extortion in Lampung.

"These perpetrators used companies in the forms of PTs and CVs as legal cover, making their activities seem like legitimate business partnerships with transport operators," said Lampung Police Chief Inspector General Helmy Santika on MOnday (19/5/2025), as quoted by antaranews.com.

Investigations in North Lampung revealed that while the actors posed as business entities collecting road fees, none of the funds were used for road maintenance, confirming the extortion nature of their operations.

The rise in extortion is linked to high transportation traffic carrying agricultural and mining commodities. Authorities are also cracking down on overloaded trucks, citing severe road damage, particularly on the central highway, which is only rated for 8-ton loads.

The operation resulted in 399 arrests across the province, with 121 individuals named as suspects and 278 undergoing rehabilitation. Police pledged continued enforcement to maintain public order.

(mg/inp/pr/rs)