BATAM | INDATANEWS.COM - The Directorate General of Immigration has arrested 210 foreign nationals suspected of being involved in an organized online investment scam operating from an apartment complex in Lubuk Baja District, Batam City, Riau Islands Province. The raid was conducted on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, following intelligence-based monitoring.
According to immigration officials, the suspects consist of 125 Vietnamese citizens, 84 Chinese nationals, and one Myanmar national. The group includes 163 men and 47 women.
Authorities confirmed that the individuals held various types of stay permits: 57 were on Visa-Free Entry (BVK), 103 on Visa on Arrival (VoA), 49 on visit visas under indexes D12 or B12, and one person held a limited investor residence permit. Officials stressed that most of these permits do not authorize employment or business activities in Indonesia.
"The investigation began in mid-April 2026 based on intelligence reports regarding suspicious activities involving a group of foreign nationals at the location. Covert surveillance, profiling, and information gathering were carried out over several weeks. The findings indicated a structured system that was inconsistent with their declared immigration purposes," said Immigration Director General Hendarsam Marantoko.
FOREIGN NATIONAL ARRESTS: Immigration officers secure 210 citizens from Vietnam, China, and Myanmar during a raid in Batam linked to alleged scam trading activities. (PHOTO: Dalil Harahap)
Early Morning Raid Uncovers Organized Structure
The operation was launched at 06:00 local time on May 6, 2026, involving 58 immigration officers at two target locations. By 08:00, all 210 suspects were secured inside the apartment complex.
Investigators discovered an organized internal structure, including separated areas for work operations, accommodation, and management control. Authorities also seized ten passports allegedly linked to external coordinators. All suspects were transferred to the Batam Immigration Office for further examination.
INVESTIGATION UPDATE: Immigration Director General Hendarsam Marantoko explains the investigation into an international fraud network. (PHOTO: Dalil Harahap)
Evidence Points to Scam Trading NetworkDuring the search, authorities confiscated 131 computers, 93 laptops, 492 mobile phones, 52 monitors, networking devices, cash-counting machines, and 198 passports. Initial digital forensics suggest a sophisticated online investment fraud scheme targeting victims primarily in Europe and Vietnam.
The suspects allegedly used social media platforms to approach victims, build communication, and persuade them to invest in fraudulent platforms promising high returns.
Immigration Violations and Legal Action
The Directorate General of Immigration stated that the suspects violated Article 75 paragraph (1) of Indonesia's Immigration Law No. 6 of 2011, which allows administrative actions against foreigners who disturb public order or violate regulations.
All detainees are currently in custody pending deportation and potential entry bans. If criminal elements are identified, immigration authorities will coordinate with the Riau Islands Regional Police.
"Immigration is committed to ensuring public security. We will not tolerate illegal activities by foreigners and will firmly uphold the principle of 'Immigration for the People'," Hendarsam emphasized.
(IDNC)REPORTER: Dalil Harahap | EDITOR: Fik Sagala