Police Investigate Fund Flows of ATM Skimming Syndicate in East Jakarta's Cipayung

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Criminal Investigation Unit of the East Jakarta Metropolitan Police Resort continues to investigate the fund flows of a theft syndicate operating via the ATM jamming method in the Cipayung area, East Jakarta.

“Investigators are also delving into the flow of crime proceeds, which are suspected to have been used for the perpetrators’ personal interests,” said Head of Criminal Investigation at East Jakarta Metropolitan Police Resort AKBP Bayu Kurniawan during a press conference at the East Jakarta Metropolitan Police Resort headquarters on Wednesday.

Bayu stated that his team is continuing to develop the ATM jamming theft case.

This time, the investigation focus is directed towards tracing the flow of crime proceeds, which are suspected to have been used by the perpetrators for various personal purposes.

This step is taken to ensure the possibility of other parties benefiting from the crime proceeds or the potential for a broader theft network using similar methods.

Based on preliminary examination results, the money obtained from the ATM jamming actions is known to have been used for the perpetrators’ daily needs, including paying off debts.

Police also stated that to date, no indications have been found of the funds being used for online gambling activities.

“From our examination of these funds, they were used for daily necessities. Some for paying debts, yes, for everyday life. As for gambling, we have not obtained that information,” Bayu explained.

Nevertheless, Bayu noted that the investigation does not stop at the perpetrators’ confessions alone.

The police will continue to trace transaction trails to ensure transparency in fund flows and anticipate involvement of other parties.

“For now, we have not obtained that information. What is certain is that it was used for daily needs,” Bayu said.

This case is receiving serious attention from law enforcement due to the ATM jamming method still frequently occurring and harming the public.

In practice, the perpetrators exploit victims’ carelessness during ATM transactions by jamming the card slot, making it difficult for victims to retrieve their cards and causing them to leave the location. The perpetrators then take the card and drain the victim’s account.

Bayu urged the public to be more cautious when using ATM machines, especially if they notice any irregularities.

Residents are also asked not to leave the location until they are sure the card has been returned and to immediately report any suspicious incidents.

The perpetrators were arrested for a theft incident that occurred on Thursday (19/3) around 07:30 WIB at an ATM machine in a modern retail outlet in the Cipayung area. The four perpetrators are initialled HF, A, AT, and D.

For their actions, they are charged under Article 477 of the Criminal Code and/or Article 476 of the Criminal Code, with a maximum penalty of seven years’ imprisonment.