Batam Immigration Office Investigates Raid on Hundreds of Foreign Nationals at Baloi View

Batam (ANTARA) - The Special Class I Immigration Office of TPI Batam, Riau Islands, is still investigating the case of hundreds of foreign nationals secured during a raid at Baloi View Apartments in Batam on Wednesday morning.

Head of the Batam Immigration Office, Wahyu Eka Putra, stated that the office has not yet released the official number of foreign nationals (FNAs) detained, although it is estimated to be in the hundreds.

“The figure is still being calculated. Hundreds, but there is no official number yet. The Immigration Office has not issued an official figure for the detained FNAs,” said Wahyu in Batam on Wednesday.

He explained that all detained FNAs have been brought to the Batam Immigration Office for further examination.

According to Wahyu, the uncovering of this case is the result of developments from previous cases as well as reports from community intelligence.

Regarding allegations of illegal activities carried out by the FNAs, Wahyu said that the office is still conducting in-depth investigations and cannot provide further details at this time.

“As for the activities they were engaged in, we are still investigating, so it cannot be answered yet,” he said.

Nevertheless, Wahyu acknowledged indications pointing towards online scamming practices, although this is still under investigation.

“There are indications of scamming, but to confirm it, further investigation is needed,” he stated.

He added that the handling of this case involves various stages and cross-agency coordination, including with the police.

“Coordination with the police is very good and supportive. We are grateful that the synergy with the police in Batam is running well,” said Wahyu.

Currently, all FNAs are still at the Batam Immigration Office undergoing intensive examinations.

The Immigration Office assures that it will provide further updates after the investigation process is completed.