Distributor of data-matrix code stickers used for online gambling arrested in South Jakarta
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Police have arrested a suspected distributor of data-matrix code stickers for online gambling (judol) and a scam network with initials SH alias P (38) in Petukangan Selatan, Pesanggrahan, South Jakarta (Jaksel).
“We conducted an investigation and successfully captured the suspect, initials SH alias P, on Tuesday (17/2) at around 22:28 WIB at his home in Larangan, Tangerang City,” said the Pesanggrahan Police Sector Chief, Kompol Seala Syah Alam in a press conference at Pesanggrahan Police Station, Jakarta, Thursday.
The data-matrix code sticker is a two-dimensional barcode (2D barcode) in a square or rectangular shape composed of black-and-white pattern cells, designed to store alphanumeric data (up to 2,335 characters) in a very small space.
This code is very durable, capable of being read even if up to 30 percent damaged and is commonly used to track components in industries such as electronics, automotive and health.
Seala said the chronology began on Tuesday (10/2) around 17:30 WIB and went viral on Instagram after CCTV footage was circulated.
It turned out, after examination, the QR sticker was connected to a judol site suspected of being a scam. Further investigation showed the site connected to a private virtual network/virtual private network (VPN) from outside Indonesia.
“Thus we coordinated with the Criminal Investigation Unit of the Jakarta Selatan Metro Police and other units to develop further, because we know that judol is a priority that has attracted the attention of President Prabowo,” he said.
After tracing, the police managed to arrest the perpetrator P on Tuesday (17/2), while F and A are on the wanted list (DPO).
“We managed to secure one person, one perpetrator and we have listed two others on the DPO,” he said.
The perpetrator is charged under Article 426 paragraph 1 letter B of Law Number 1 of 2023 of the Indonesian Criminal Code (KUHP), namely any person who without permission offers or provides the public with the opportunity to gamble or participate in a gambling enterprise.
Regardless of whether there are any requirements or procedures that must be fulfilled to use that opportunity, the penalty is a maximum of nine years in prison.