Three Minors Exploited as Online Scam Operators in South Sulawesi

The Directorate of Women and Children Protection and Trafficking Crime Investigation of the South Sulawesi Regional Police has revealed that three children were exploited as perpetrators of online fraud in Sidrap Regency. The activities were carried out by underage workers and adults at a location used for online scams in Sidrap, according to the Director of the unit, Senior Commissioner Osva, on Tuesday. The case began with a public tip-off about the suspected exploitation of 11 people, consisting of three children and eight adults, at a house in Dua Pitue District. A raid was subsequently conducted on Thursday around 10:30 p.m. Central Indonesia Time. During the raid, officers found the 11 individuals resting after allegedly conducting online fraud activities inside the house, which served as both a shelter and workplace for the victims. Preliminary investigations indicate that the 11 victims include three children aged 14 to 16 and eight adults. The victims originated from various areas in South Sulawesi, Central Sulawesi, and East Kalimantan. Police have arrested and named a 26-year-old man with the initials HA as a suspect for recruiting the victims to carry out online scams by offering goods for sale. Another suspect remains at large. The suspect is charged under Law Number 21 of 2007 on the Eradication of Human Trafficking and Law Number 35 of 2014 on Child Protection.