Fraud Scheme Impersonating Customs Uncovered in Tasikmalaya
REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, TASIKMALAYA – Tasikmalaya Customs attended a press conference revealing a fraud syndicate impersonating Customs officials, held at Tasikmalaya City Police Headquarters on Thursday (30/4/2026).
The Criminal Investigation Unit (Sat Reskrim) of Tasikmalaya City Police exposed the fraud, extortion, and threat syndicate operating under the guise of Customs officers and journalists.
Following the incident, police arrested eight suspects with initials RS, AAS, AS, AHS, DRT, and T, plus two others with initial A who acted as fake journalists.
According to Tasikmalaya City Police Chief, AKBP Andi Purwanto, the incident occurred on Thursday (23/4/2026) around 03:00 WIB. The perpetrators carried out their scheme by disguising themselves as Customs officials.
They approached the victim and accused them of involvement in illegal cigarette sales. Under the pretext of enforcement, the perpetrators then intimidated and demanded a sum of money from the victim to prevent further processing of the case. From the revelation, police successfully arrested eight suspects suspected of involvement in the syndicate.
Additionally, evidence seized included two vehicles used in operations, eight mobile phones, and six vests labelled “Customs” that the perpetrators used to convince victims.
Tasikmalaya City Police stressed that the perpetrators’ actions constitute serious criminal offences that harm the public and tarnish the reputation of state institutions.
The suspects are charged under Article 492 and/or Article 482 of the Criminal Code regarding fraud and/or extortion and threats, with a maximum penalty of nine years’ imprisonment.
Head of Tasikmalaya Customs Office, Yudi Hendrawan, who attended the event, affirmed that no Customs officials were involved in the scheme and urged the public not to easily trust parties claiming to be officials without official identification and clear procedures.
He expressed appreciation to Tasikmalaya City Police for uncovering the case. “We affirm that all suspects are not members of Customs. We urge the public to immediately report to the authorities if they encounter indications of similar actions,” Yudi stated in remarks quoted on Wednesday (6/5/2026).
Through the uncovering of this case, it is hoped to provide a deterrent effect to criminals and increase public awareness to be more cautious, thereby maintaining security and order in the Tasikmalaya region.