Online gambling sticker placements in Pesanggrahan paid Rp100,000 per deployment

Jakarta (ANTARA) - A suspect who pasted data-matrix stickers (QR codes) for online gambling (judol) and personal-data scams in Petukangan Selatan, Pesanggrahan, South Jakarta, identified by the initials SH alias P (38), reportedly earned Rp100,000 for each deployment. ‘For payment per ’barcode’ (data matrix code) this is Rp100,000,’ said Pesanggrahan Police Chief, Kompol Seala Syah Alam, at a press conference at the Pesanggrahan Police Station in Jakarta on Thursday. Data-matrix stickers are 2D barcodes that are square or rectangular, consisting of black-and-white modules, designed to store alphanumeric data (up to 2,335 characters) in a very small space. These codes are highly durable, readable even when damaged up to 30 percent, and are commonly used to track components in industry, electronics, automotive, and health sectors. Seala said the suspect had been enticed by money from other suspects identified as F and A who are also on the wanted list (DPO). ‘Because for suspect A, after our checks, he is already outside Java Island, in Kalimantan. Therefore we will continue to develop the case with our commitment in line with the instruction of President Prabowo, that eradicating judol is the number one priority,’ he said. Furthermore, according to the suspect, more than 100 QR stickers have been distributed across Jakarta. Investigations revealed that the QR stickers were connected to a judol site suspected of also ‘scamming’ personal data. Upon further investigation, the site is connected to a private virtual network (VPN) from abroad. The seized items include three sheets of QR stickers, a pink short-sleeved shirt, a white basic shoulder bag, a Honda Vario motorcycle, a Honda key, a mobile phone, and a white cap. The offender can be charged under Article 426 paragraph 1 letter B of Law Number 1 of 2023 of the Criminal Code (KUHP), namely anyone who without permission offers or provides the public with the opportunity to gamble or to participate in a gambling enterprise. Regardless of any requirements or procedures to be met to use such an opportunity, the offender faces a maximum penalty of nine years’ imprisonment.