Foreigners swindle with hypnosis

PADANG, West Sumatra: The provincial police office is investigating the case of three citizens of Malta who reportedly swindled locals using techniques of hypnosis.

Antara reported Chief Col. Yusar Hasan as saying on Tuesday that the three foreigners, holders of Malta passports, were currently being detained for questioning.

Hakof Jalal, Chabok Negar and Yusefeyan Daryush, all residents of Valleta city, were arrested following reports by several local shop proprietors that they either lost their money or goods when they were under the foreigners' spell.

Due to the so-called "hypnosis", the foreigners were reportedly able to buy goods worth Rp 1 million for much less.

"I saw they gave me one million, but when they left, I discovered that they only gave me Rp 400,000," a victim of the scam said.

The foreigners deny the charges. (swe)