11 Foreign Nationals Named Suspects in Sukoharjo 'Pig Butchering' Online Fraud Case

Central Java Police have designated 11 foreign nationals as suspects in an online fraud syndicate operating under the guise of “pig butchering” in Sukoharjo Regency, Central Java.

According to police investigations, the suspects frequently targeted victims from the United States.

Police Commissioner Himawan Sutanto Saragih, Director of Cyber Crime for Central Java Police, said in Semarang on Monday, 1 June, as reported by Antara: “Total suspects number 39, including seven Nepalese nationals, four Myanmar nationals, and the rest Indonesian citizens.”

Himawan explained the fraud syndicate operated under the guise of PT Digi Global Konsultan in Sukoharjo Regency.

He stated that the company’s office served as both a recruitment hub and operational base for the organised online fraud activities.

Preliminary investigations revealed the suspects had distinct roles, including leaders, marketing personnel, and models posing to convince victims.

According to him, the syndicate used social media, dating apps, and other digital communication tools to build emotional connections with victims.

Once victims developed emotional bonds, they were directed to invest through manipulated fake cryptocurrency trading platforms, he added.

The syndicate has ensnared 133 victims, he said.

Between July 2025 and May 2026, the syndicate reportedly accumulated profits of up to Rp41.1 billion.

During the investigation, police also raided several rental properties suspected of supporting the syndicate’s operations.

Evidence seized included hundreds of mobile phones, computers, and laptops.

The suspects face charges under the 2024 Electronic Information and Transactions Law and Article 492 of the Criminal Code on fraud.