Immigration authorities uncover Japanese nationals impersonating police in online fraud

Bogor City, West Java (ANTARA) - The Directorate General of Immigration has uncovered a modus operandi used by a scam syndicate operating online, carried out by 13 Japanese nationals who impersonated members of the Japanese police during an operation monitoring foreigners in Sentul City, Bogor Regency, West Java. Acting Director General of Immigration Yuldi Yusman said the 13 Japanese nationals were detained in an operation conducted by the Bogor Immigration Office Class I Non-TPI on 2 March 2026 in the Babakanmadang district. ‘The Intelligence and Enforcement Team of Bogor Immigration Office successfully arrested 13 Japanese nationals suspected of conducting organised online scams,’ Yuldi said at a press conference at the Bogor Immigration Office, West Java, on Wednesday. According to Yuldi, the perpetrators were suspected of carrying out scams by posing as officers of the Japanese police to defraud victims who are also Japanese nationals outside Indonesia. In their actions, the perpetrators first contacted potential victims claiming to be officers from the Japanese telecommunications company NTT Docomo and accused the victims of using illegal services or forging identities. Thereafter, victims were directed to perform a video call via the LINE app. At this stage, one of the perpetrators acted as a member of the Japanese police to strengthen intimidation of the victim. Officials also found evidence including items resembling the Japanese police uniform, digital documents containing scam scripts and operating guidelines, and dozens of communication devices used in carrying out the operation. In the next stage, victims were directed to open a fake web portal displaying an emergency arrest warrant supposedly issued by Japanese authorities, complete with the victim’s name, the judge’s name, and a stamp resembling a court. The victim was then asked to show their savings book, ATM card, and account information before being directed to liquidate investment or shares funds and transfer large sums of money to the perpetrators. Currently, the 13 Japanese nationals are held at the Bogor Class I Non-TPI Immigration Office for further investigation into alleged abuse of residence permits under Law No. 6 of 2011 on Immigration. The Directorate General of Immigration will also coordinate with relevant agencies and the Japanese Embassy in Indonesia to probe the possibility of cross-border criminal activity in the case.