{
    "success": true,
    "data": {
        "id": 1641693,
        "msgid": "batam-immigration-officer-investigated-for-extortion-against-foreigners-1774781495",
        "date": "2026-03-29 17:18:18",
        "title": "Batam immigration officer investigated for extortion against foreigners",
        "author": "",
        "source": "ANTARA_EN",
        "tags": "",
        "topic": "Legal",
        "summary": "The Riau Islands regional immigration office has identified an employee with initials JS and a third-party individual AS as suspects in an extortion scheme targeting foreign nationals in Batam. The case involves three foreigners, including a Myanmar national, who were allegedly coerced into paying S$250 after initial demands of S$100 each for immigration violations like lacking a return ticket. Officials have pledged disciplinary action, ongoing investigations, and enhanced monitoring to prevent future incidents and ensure proper immigration services.",
        "content": "<p>Riau Islands regional immigration office head Ujo Sutojo said the\noffice has identified an employee with the initials JS, along with a\nthird-party individual, AS, as suspects in the scheme.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAny officers involved in the case will be penalized according to the\ndisciplinary procedure,\u201d Sutojo affirmed during a press conference on\nSunday.<\/p>\n<p>Upon an initial probe involving reviews of passengers\u2019 arrival data\nand CCTV footage, investigators identified a suspected case involving a\nMyanmar national, identified as NAY.<\/p>\n<p>During the incident, NAY was asked to remain for further inspection\nafter failing to produce a return ticket during immigration checks upon\narrival in Batam.<\/p>\n<p>Investigators later observed that a third party had suddenly\nintervened and negotiated with on-duty officers. Subsequent questioning\nrevealed indications they agreed upon a financial demand to be made to\nthe foreign national.<\/p>\n<p>The regional immigration office\u2019s internal compliance unit head,\nWashington Napitupulu, explained that, in addition to NAY, investigators\nidentified two other foreign nationals allegedly involved in the\nextortion case, each of whom was initially asked to pay 100 Singapore\ndollars.<\/p>\n<p>However, the identities of the two individuals have yet to be\nestablished.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cBased on the third party\u2019s confession \u2026 the three foreigners were\ninitially asked to pay S$100 each. Following negotiations, the amount\nwas settled at S$250 for all three,\u201d Napitupulu stated.<\/p>\n<p>He affirmed that the probe against officers and the third party\ninvolved will be continued, adding that internal monitoring and employee\ndiscipline will be strengthened to ensure optimal immigration services\nand prevent the recurrence of such incidents.<\/p>\n<p>Related news: Bali Immigration thwarts escape attempt of British\nInterpol fugitive<\/p>\n<p>Related news: Indonesia keeps watch on foreigners in Bali despite WFA\npolicy<\/p>\n<p>Related news: Bali authorities detain three foreign nationals over\nporn video case<\/p>\n<p>Translator: Amandine Nadja, Nabil Ihsan<\/p>",
        "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/batam-immigration-officer-investigated-for-extortion-against-foreigners-1774781495",
        "image": ""
    },
    "sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
    "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
}