Scam Headquarters in Kuta Revealed to Be in Training Phase, 30 People Arrested
Police have revealed new facts regarding suspected international online scamming activities at a guesthouse in the Kedonganan area of Kuta, Badung. Authorities state that the activities are still in the preparation and training phase.
In uncovering the case, police discovered training scenarios and plans for large-scale recruitment allegedly aimed at building a cross-country scam network.
Director of General Criminal Investigation (Dirreskrimum) of Bali Police, Commissioner I Gede Adhi Mulyawarman, said the police initially received information about a suspected kidnapping. However, after further investigation, the case developed into suspicions of unlawful confinement, human trafficking (TPPO), and preparations for international scamming crimes.
“A plan and preparations have occurred in the form of cross-country or international scamming crimes, where the plan involves shelters for people, locations, electronic networks, and preparations of international law enforcement attributes,” he stated at Denpasar Police Station on Wednesday (13/5/2026).
According to Adhi, the investigation uncovered various forms of preparations carried out by the group. Police also found internal communications and training scripts allegedly to be used in the scam operations.
“There are already forms of training, including training scenario transcripts on issues of weapons, large-scale narcotics, and other forms of crime in those scripts,” he said.
Still in Preparation Phase
In addition to finding training scripts, police also discovered plans for further recruitment and preparations for other shelter locations to support their operations.
“So this is still in the process of creating the scamming site, as they are still in the training phase and preparing,” he added.
Nevertheless, Adhi emphasised that the elements of the suspected crimes related to unlawful confinement, TPPO, or international scamming are still being investigated as they have not been fully established. To date, the confirmed violation is related to immigration matters.
“The elements of those suspicions have not been fulfilled, and what is certain in this case is an immigration violation,” he stressed.
Police Secure 30 People
In the uncovering on 28 April 2026, police secured a total of 30 people consisting of 26 foreign nationals (WNA) and four Indonesian nationals (WNI).
The 26 foreign nationals consisted of five Chinese nationals, four Taiwanese nationals, one Malaysian national, four Kenyan nationals, and 12 Filipino nationals.
Of that number, 15 foreign nationals were known to carry passports, while the other 11 could not show travel documents. All the foreign nationals were also known to be using visitor stay permits or tourist visas.
At the location, police found several items allegedly to be used for scamming activities, such as FBI attributes, the United States flag, computers, keyboards, Starlink internet devices, as well as tables and cabinets on the second floor of the guesthouse.
In addition, investigators also found scripts or manuscripts allegedly prepared to carry out the online scam operations. To date, police are still investigating the network and operational plans of the group.