TNI Member Suspected of Acting as Recruiter Broker in Maluku, Victim Defrauded of Rp 30 Million

A member of Kasdam XV/Pattimura with the initials Sergeant ATP is suspected of fraud using the guise of a broker for TNI Army recruitment in Central Maluku Regency, Maluku. The victim handed over Rp 30 million to Sergeant ATP to assist with entry into the TNI Army.

“This is highly regrettable, as joining the TNI is free and no fees are charged,” said the Head of Health at Kasdam XV/Pattimura, Colonel Ckm Daris Hidayat, as quoted by detikSulsel on Wednesday (1/4/2026).

Sergeant ATP and the victim were connected by a civilian with the initials RB. RB handed over Rp 30 million to Sergeant ATP to process the victim’s case in 2025.

“Sergeant ATP admitted to receiving Rp 30 million from Mr RB (to process the victim in the prospective lance corporal recruitment). However, Sergeant ATP claims to have returned the money to RB,” he explained.

“However, the perpetrator stated that he does not know whether (RB) has handed the money back to the victim through that intermediary,” he added.

Daris stated that although Sergeant ATP has returned the victim’s money, the case will still be processed. He emphasised that no one is above the law regarding broker practices.

“Kasdam XV/Pattimura ensures that it will continue to process this in accordance with applicable military legal procedures,” he said.