Police Investigate Scam Operation Involving Dozens of Foreign Nationals in Kuta Guest House

Denpasar City Police Resort (Polresta Denpasar) is continuing to investigate allegations of an online scam operation involving foreign nationals at a guest house in the Kuta area, Badung, Bali. Dozens of foreigners suspected of being victims of confinement at the accommodation have been secured.

Head of Criminal Investigation at Polresta Denpasar, Commissioner Agus Riwayanto Diputra, revealed that his team is working tirelessly to uncover the details of the activities at the guest house. He emphasised that the police are still investigating the type of scam and the modus operandi of the perpetrators.

“I will update on the developments later. Currently, the team is still intensively delving into the revelations,” said Agus when confirmed by detikBali on Tuesday (28/4/2026).

Agus explained that investigators are currently focused on gathering evidence and extracting statements from the secured parties. This includes tracing the possibility of a larger network behind the case.

Previously, police raided a guest house on Jalan Bypass Ngurah Rai, Gang Karang Sari, Kedonganan, Kuta, Badung, on Monday (27/4). Police secured 26 foreign nationals and one Indonesian national suspected of being victims of confinement to be used as scam operators.

The case came to light based on a report from the Philippine Embassy in Jakarta regarding alleged exploitation of its citizens. Police seized several electronic devices suspected to have been used for scam activities. To date, the investigation continues to uncover the network behind the practice.