Transnational Anti-Scam Operation Uncovers Rp 13.229 Trillion in Fraud Losses

Indonesia Anti-Scam Centre (IASC), alongside nine authorities from Singapore, Hong Kong, South Korea, Malaysia, Maldives, Thailand, Macau, Brunei, and Canada, conducted a coordinated operation against transnational financial scams, codenamed Operation FRONTIER+, from 10 March to 7 May 2026. Chair of the Illegal Financial Activities Task Force Secretariat, Hudiyanto, explained that the joint operation aimed to strengthen coordination among authorities in combating transnational scams, which are increasingly prevalent globally and causing substantial losses for the public and financial sector, he stated in a written release on Monday (25 May 2026). As a result of the joint operation by the Anti-Scam Centre and law enforcement agencies, 3,018 individuals aged between 13 and 85 have been arrested. The joint operation also investigated 7,553 suspected members of scam networks. The Anti-Scam Centre authorities uncovered over 138,000 fraud cases with total losses of approximately $752 million, equivalent to Rp 13.229 trillion. Finally, the joint operation froze around 102,000 bank accounts suspected of being involved in fraud and seized criminal proceeds exceeding $161 million, equivalent to Rp 2.832 trillion. The establishment of the transnational collaboration platform FRONTIER+ is a strategic move to strengthen international coordination in combating scams. The platform involves representatives from Anti-Scam Centres across 14 jurisdictions, including Singapore, Hong Kong, South Korea, Malaysia, Indonesia, Maldives, Thailand, Macau, Brunei, Canada, Australia, United Arab Emirates (Dubai), South Africa, and the United States. Hudiyanto explained that FRONTIER+ serves as a platform for real-time information and intelligence sharing, and supports regular cross-border joint operations. Looking ahead, the platform will expand to include more countries to enhance the effectiveness of law enforcement against global scam crimes. As transnational scam methods become increasingly complex, the public is urged to remain vigilant and understand the risks of digital crime. This includes not readily believing offers promising high returns in a short time. The public is also advised to verify the legitimacy of businesses and financial services via OJK’s official channels (Contact 157) and avoid trusting offers sent via private messages, social media, or unclear links. Additionally, individuals must safeguard personal data, including account details, one-time passwords (OTPs), and passwords, from any party. Furthermore, any indications of illegal financial activity should be reported to sipasti.ojk.go.id, and financial fraud cases to iasc.ojk.go.id. “This transnational collaborative effort is expected to deter perpetrators and enhance public protection against increasingly sophisticated and organised scam threats,” he concluded.