Inp.polri.go.id - Batam. The Riau Islands Regional Police’s Directorate of General Criminal Investigation has arrested a Malaysian citizen identified as ZA (43) for allegedly recruiting Indonesian migrant workers illegally. 

“The suspect directly sought out potential workers to employ at his restaurant without proper procedures, marking a new modus operandi”, said Riau Islands Police Director of General Criminal Investigation Senior Superintendent Dony Alexander.

His arrest was made following four police reports received between August and October, involving five victims and five suspects. 

In a separate case, four suspects — YU (47), NS (46), RC (41), and NW (30) — were also detained for non-procedural migrant workers trafficking.

The victims, identified by initials L from Pekanbaru, K from Bengkulu, N from Banyuwangi, M from Gresik, and DF from Jakarta, were promised jobs with salaries of 2,000 Malaysian Ringgit.

The suspects face charges under Law No. 18/2017 on Migrant Worker Protection, amended by Law No. 6/2023, carrying a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and fines up to Rp 15 billion.

BP3MI Riau Islands reported 2,036 deported PMIs from Malaysia between January and October 2024.

(mg/inp/pr/nm)