Man in West Jakarta Embezzles Rp1.2 Billion Through USD Exchange Scam

The Bareskrim Police Mobile Brigade Unit and Barelang Police Resort arrested a 35-year-old man named Franky on suspicion of embezzling Rp1.2 billion through a USD exchange scam.

Franky was apprehended in the Grogol Petamburan area of West Jakarta on Tuesday, 19 May, after fleeing with his victim’s funds.

“The suspect is suspected of committing embezzlement in office as stipulated under Article 488 of the Indonesian Criminal Code. He is currently being held for legal proceedings,” said Bareskrim Police Mobile Brigade Unit Chief Commissioner Arsya Khadafi in a statement on Wednesday, 27 May.

Khadafi explained that the case began when Franky contacted a victim identified as WG via text message, claiming he wished to exchange rupiah for US dollars.

“The suspect requested the victim transfer Rp1.269 billion for the currency exchange,” Khadafi stated.

The victim complied with the transfer, after which Franky promised to return the funds. However, the money was never repaid by the agreed deadline, with Franky claiming customer payments had not yet arrived.

Upon investigating the transaction, the victim discovered the funds were never deposited for the USD exchange as promised. Franky then went missing and became difficult to contact.

The victim reported Franky to authorities, with the report registered under number LP-B/255/VI/2025/SPKT/Polresta Barelang/Polda Kepri.

Following the report, a joint task force conducted an investigation and located the suspect in West Jakarta.

“The team successfully apprehended the suspect with assistance from local RT officials,” Khadafi said.

After his arrest, Franky was taken by Barelang Police Resort investigators for further legal proceedings.