Four arrested for extortion

JAKARTA (JP): Four men were arrested on Thursday for allegedly pretending to be Marine officers and extorting money from a businessman in Muara Baru, Cilincing, North Jakarta.

Marine Corps spokesman Maj. Ibrahim identified the four only as AD (42), HA (33), NM (39) and US (28).

"They were arrested while extorting money from a businessman called Aping. One of the four contacted Aping and told him that he was from the Pembaharuan Bangsa foundation on Jl. Kwini 8 in Senen, Central Jakarta. He claimed the foundation had links to the marines," Ibrahim was quoted by Antara as saying.

The caller, who identified himself as Lt. Col. Abdul Wahib, said the foundation planned to hold an art performance in the Hilton Hotel on Oct. 15, Ibrahim said.

"He (Abdul Wahib) asked for a donation from Aping to help fund the event, which he said was intended to raise funds for projects to help the poor," he said.

After a donation was agreed, couriers were sent to pick up the money.

Ibrahim said that his corps had received similar complaints from several businessmen who had been conned on the same pretext within the last two months.

Ibrahim reiterated that no member of his corps had been ordered to raise funds and said the foundation had no connection with the marines.

The culprits are being detained at the city police headquarters. (emf)