Police Arrest Two Extortion Suspects in Tanah Abang Using Escort Services Ruse

Police have arrested two men suspected of extorting a car driver in the Kebon Kacang area of Tanah Abang, Central Jakarta. The suspects’ actions previously went viral on social media after they were recorded forcing the victim to pay money under the guise of offering escort services.

The Tanah Abang Metro Police Chief, AKBP Dhimas Prasetyo, confirmed that the Opsnal team secured two individuals with the initials MN and N on Saturday (28/3) around 14:00 WIB. Both are residents of Tanah Abang.

“We have secured the suspected extortionists who went viral on social media. The arrest took place on Kebon Kacang Street 12, Kebon Kacang Ward, Central Jakarta,” Dhimas stated in his remarks on Saturday (28/3).

Dhimas explained that the extortion incident occurred on Friday (27/3) around 17:00 WIB. At that time, the victim, who was passing through Kebon Kacang Street 12, pulled over briefly to check a map on his phone.

Suddenly, three suspects on a single motorcycle approached the victim and demanded “cigarette money”. When the victim refused, the suspects changed their tactic, forcing him to pay Rp300,000 for escort services.

“The victim eventually gave only Rp100,000. Feeling it was insufficient, the suspects then forcibly took the victim’s e-toll card,” Dhimas explained.

Police have conducted a crime scene examination and arrested both suspects. They have also contacted the victim to file an official police report. Currently, the two suspects are undergoing intensive questioning at the Tanah Abang Metro Police Station to be held accountable for their actions.