Central Java Police Arrest 38 Suspects in International Fraud Syndicate in Sukoharjo

This case was uncovered following reports from the public regarding suspicious activity in the digital space. Police then conducted an investigation and uncovered an organized fraud operation operating under the guise of a company. The company was named PT Digi Global Konsultan, located in Solo Baru, Sukoharjo Regency. From that company, the perpetrators carried out an organized fraud with a cross-border network. Himawan said the company was used as a recruitment vehicle for workers as well as an operational base for online fraud targeting foreign nationals, particularly United States citizens. ‘The perpetrators first built emotional closeness with the victims using fake identities and fictitious social media accounts,’ said Senior Commissioner Himawan Susanto Saragih, Director of Ressiber for the Central Java Police, in a written statement received, as reported by detikJateng, Friday, 22 May 2026. Himawan explained that the perpetrators used photos and videos of women to attract the victims. In fact, the network also arranged real models to conduct direct video calls to increase the emotional trust of the victims. ‘This modus operandi is highly structured and exploits the victims’ psychological weaknesses. The victims are made to feel they have a personal relationship so that they unknowingly transfer funds in large amounts,’ said Himawan. ‘After the victims are convinced, they are directed to invest in a fake crypto trading platform that has been manipulated so that the funds deposited are fully controlled by the perpetrators’ network,’ he added. After trust is established, Himawan said the victims were then directed to make investment transfers via a manipulated crypto trading website. Read more here (idh/dhn)