The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has expressed appreciation\nto the Polri Criminal Investigation Agency (Bareskrim) for successfully\ndismantling a syndicate selling hacking devices or phishing tools based\nin Kupang City, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT). This illegal practice resulted\nin losses amounting to USD 20 million, or approximately Rp 350\nbillion.<\/p>\n
FBI Law Enforcement Attach\u00e9 for Indonesia and Timor Leste, Robert F.\nLafferty, described the success of this disclosure as the fruit of a\nlong investigation that began several years ago.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe FBI and the Republic of Indonesia National Police have\nsuccessfully concluded a years-long investigation to dismantle a\nsophisticated global phishing network,\u201d said Robert during a press\nconference at Bareskrim Polri, South Jakarta, on Wednesday\n(22\/4\/2026).<\/p>\n
\u201cThe perpetrators developed malicious \u2018Well\u2019 devices and attempted to\ncarry out fraudulent transactions worth more than USD 20 million,\u201d he\ncontinued.<\/p>\n
Robert explained that this operation represents an extraordinary team\neffort between the United States and Indonesia. The investigation\nfocused on hunting down the main developers of the devices to ensure no\nsafe haven remains for cross-border cybercriminals.<\/p>\n
In its execution, Robert revealed a coordinated division of tasks\nbetween the FBI, Bareskrim Polri, and the NTT Provincial Police (Polda).\nThe FBI, according to him, monitored digital trails and fund flows in\nthe United States, while Polri conducted field operations to capture the\nmastermind.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe FBI monitored digital trails and tracked financial flows in the\nUnited States, while Polri carried out crucial field operations to track\ndown the operation\u2019s mastermind and gather digital evidence,\u201d he\nclarified.<\/p>\n
Robert noted that the perpetrators relied on the illusion of distance\nand security in cyberspace to cover their activities. Therefore, through\nthis arrest, investigators have shattered the perpetrators\u2019 illusion of\nhiding behind distance and digital space.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is not just a technical disruption, but a total dismantling of\na criminal enterprise,\u201d Robert emphasised.<\/p>\n
Based on FBI data, throughout 2023\u20132024, the phishing devices\nproduced by the perpetrators had caused more than 17,000 victims spread\nacross nearly every continent. This tool served as the main engine in\nglobal business email hacking schemes and identity theft.<\/p>\n
Echoing Robert, FBI Atlanta Special Agent in Charge, Marlo Graham, in\na statement read by Robert, described the device controlled by the\nperpetrators as a highly comprehensive cybercrime platform.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is not just phishing; this is a full-service cybercrime\nplatform. And we will continue to work with domestic and foreign law\nenforcement partners using all available means to protect the public,\u201d\nsaid Robert.<\/p>\n
Through this disclosure by Bareskrim, the FBI is optimistic that the\nmain source of international credential theft has been severed. Robert\nthanked Polri for their commitment to creating a safer digital\nworld.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have set a precedent that transnational cybercriminal threats\nwill be met with a united global law enforcement response,\u201d he\nstated.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are very grateful to our colleagues in Indonesia for their\npartnership and commitment to a safer digital world,\u201d Robert\nconcluded.<\/p>\n
Bareskrim Arrests Couple Selling Phishing Tools<\/p>\n
The Bareskrim Polri Cyber Crime Directorate dismantled a cross-border\nnetwork providing hacking devices or phishing tools. Police arrested two\nperpetrators involved in the illegal practice.<\/p>\n
\u201cInvestigators from the Bareskrim Polri Cyber Directorate, along with\nthe NTT Provincial Police Criminal Investigation Unit, successfully\ntracked and secured two perpetrators in Kupang City, NTT,\u201d said the Head\nof the Cyber Directorate at Bareskrim Polri, Brigadier General Himawan\nBayu Aji, during a press conference at Bareskrim Polri, South Jakarta,\non Wednesday (22\/4\/2026).<\/p>\n
The two suspects are GWL (24), a male high school Multimedia graduate\nwho became the mastermind behind creating illegal scripts\nautodidactically, and his girlfriend initialled FYT (25), who managed\nthe proceeds of crime.<\/p>\n
According to him, GWL has been independently producing and developing\nphishing tools since 2018. He operated several sites, such as\nw3ll.store, well.store, and well.shop, to market the tools.<\/p>\n
\u201cSuspect GWL acted as the main perpetrator who produced and sold\nindependently since 2018. His background is a Multimedia vocational high\nschool graduate and he acquired script-making skills autodidactically,\u201d\nHimawan explained.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, his girlfriend FYT provided fund storage through crypto\nwallets. FYT was responsible for converting crypto payments into rupiah\nand withdrawing them via personal bank accounts.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe suspect is GWL\u2019s girlfriend since 2016 and assisted the suspect\nin managing sales finances,\u201d Himawan said.<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/fbi-appreciates-polri-for-busting-phishing-tools-syndicate-causing-rp-350-billion-losses-1776873047", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }