Ciamis Police Arrest Four Men Posing as Journalists for Alleged Extortion

The Criminal Investigation Unit (Satreskrim) of the Ciamis Police have arrested four men for allegedly intimidating and extorting residents while posing as journalists. The suspects, identified as daily labourers, were apprehended at the Islamic Centre area after police received a report via the emergency call centre 110.

Ciamis Police Criminal Investigation Head, Adjunct Commissioner Carsono, confirmed the arrests. He stated that the unit moved to the location after receiving a complaint from a resident who felt pressured by the suspects’ threats. “We received a report from a resident regarding alleged intimidation, threats, and extortion carried out by four individuals claiming to be journalists. The victim reported feeling pressured because the suspects demanded money,” Carsono said on Sunday.

The four suspects, residents of Tasikmalaya City, are identified by the initials AJ (60), AR (37), MA (49), and DE (41). Preliminary investigations indicate that the suspects, who claimed to work for online media outlets, carried out their actions in at least eight different locations across Ciamis Regency. Police are not ruling out the involvement of other parties in the criminal activity.

“We are still developing the case, particularly regarding their modus operandi. We urge members of the public who may have been victims to report immediately, as these actions are against the law and we will take firm action,” Carsono stressed. The police also advised the public not to easily trust individuals who use intimidation or demand money by claiming to represent a certain profession.