inp.polri.go.id - Jakarta. Police have arrested nine members of a gang of fake journalists who extorted money from hotel guests. 

The nine suspects are Farika Ferizal, Krosbi MP Butar Butar, Payaman Sihombing, Ester Irawati Hutajulu, Andar Hutasoit, San Fransisco Butar Butar, Antoni Castro, Abel Edison, and Roi Muba Hutagulung.

Head of Public Relations for the Metro Jaya Regional Police, Senior Superintendent Ade Ary Syam Indradi, explained that the suspects were arrested after extorting the victim, identified as N, on Aria Putra Raya street, Serua Indah Village, Ciputat, South Tangerang City. They began the extortion by approaching the victim and accusing him of immoral acts.

"The woman suddenly embraced him and started talking to him," explained Ade Ary in an official statement on Saturday (7/12/2025).

Once taken to her office, the woman began intimidating the victim and threatening to spread allegations of immoral acts if he did not provide money. Out of fear, the victim ended up transferring IDR 15 million (approximately US$1,000) instead of the initial request of IDR 130 million.

Investigations revealed that the perpetrators initially monitored the couple leaving the transit hotel. They then followed them to their homes or workplaces.

"Once the victims arrived, the perpetrators posed as journalists and accused them of committing immoral acts. Ultimately, the victims were asked to pay to avoid reporting on their media outlet," he said.

(ad/ay/pr/rs)