Ferry Ticket Scalper at Bintan Port Arrested for Selling Rp270,000 Tickets at Rp450,000
A resident of Batam fell victim to ferry ticket scalping after purchasing a ticket at a price significantly above official rates.
The incident occurred at Port Bintang 99 Batu Ampar on Monday, 16 March. The victim, who needed a ticket for departure the same day, was forced to purchase from the scalper at Rp450,000, whilst the official price was only Rp270,000.
Kombes Pol Nona Pricillia Ohei, head of public relations for the Riau Islands Police, stated that the victim handed over money and an identity card to the perpetrator during the transaction.
“The victim needed a ticket on the same day. The ticket that should have cost Rp270,000 was sold for Rp450,000, and the victim handed over money and their ID to the perpetrator,” she told journalists on Tuesday, 17 March.
The victim, feeling defrauded, subsequently reported the incident to police. In response to the report, the General Criminal Investigation Directorate (Ditreskrimum) of the Riau Islands Police immediately launched an investigation.
From the investigation results, police successfully apprehended a man with the initials RS, who has been established as a suspect in an alleged fraud case.
“Based on the results of investigation, one person with the initials RS has been designated as a suspect,” she said.
In addition to the main suspect, police also questioned four other individuals suspected of knowing about or being involved in the practice. Their examination continues.
In the operation, police also secured evidence in the form of cash totalling Rp450,000 and one mobile phone belonging to the suspect.
Kombes Pol Ronni Bonic, head of the General Criminal Investigation Directorate of the Riau Islands Police, stated that the perpetrator allegedly conducted this scalping practice for quite some time.
“The perpetrator is suspected of exploiting his proximity to certain employees and has been conducting this scalping activity for approximately one year,” he said.
Police are also investigating the possibility of involvement by other parties in the practice.
For his actions, the suspect has been charged under Article 494 of Law Number 1 of 2023 concerning the Criminal Code regarding fraud, with a maximum fine penalty of Rp10 million.
The Riau Islands Police called on the public to be more cautious when purchasing tickets, particularly ahead of the Lebaran mudik exodus, and to ensure purchases are made through official channels.
Additionally, the public is urged to immediately report if they discover scalping practices or become victims of fraud.