Banten Police Uncover Alleged Human Trafficking with Online Sex Work Modus in Serang
Subdit IV Renakta Ditreskrimum Banten Police has uncovered alleged human trafficking (TPPO) with modus of recruiting and offering commercial sex workers online through the MiChat application in Serang Regency.
Kasubdit IV Renakta Ditreskrimum Banten Police, AKBP Irene Missy, stated that the perpetrators are suspected of recruiting, harbouring, and offering victims through a messaging application to gain profit.
“The modus used by the perpetrators is recruiting, harbouring, and offering victims through the MiChat application to customers. From investigation results, the victims were promised salaries ranging from Rp9 million to Rp10 million per month,” said Irene Missy in her statement in Serang City on Friday, 27 February 2026.
The case was uncovered on Monday, 16 February 2026 at around 01:00 WIB at a boarding house in Kramatwatu District, Serang Regency, after police received information from the public regarding recruitment and harbouring activities of women to be offered to customers.
In the investigation, police secured two suspected perpetrators: a man with initials AB (27) and a woman with initials FT (26). Additionally, officers identified three women suspected of being victims and placed at the location.
From the crime scene, investigators seized evidence including one mobile phone belonging to the perpetrator and cash amounting to Rp9,850,000. Six boxes of contraceptives, one tube of lubricant, and screenshots of conversations related to victim recruitment and offering activities were also seized.
Irene emphasised that her team is conducting intensive examination to investigate the possibility of other networks and additional victims in the case.
“Currently, the perpetrators and victims are undergoing examination at Unit II Subdit IV Renakta Ditreskrimum Banten Police. We will continue investigating to uncover the possibility of other networks and ensure protection for the victims,” she said.
She added that this disclosure is part of police efforts to prevent and eradicate human trafficking, including those exploiting digital platforms as a means of exploitation.
Banten Police also appealed to the public to actively report suspected human trafficking practices or other forms of exploitation to law enforcement authorities.
“We invite the public to immediately report to police if they become aware of human trafficking practices. Public participation is very important in efforts to prevent and eradicate human trafficking,” said Irene.