Two Indonesian Online Scam Operators Repatriated After Myanmar Captivity

Two Indonesian citizens who went viral after being held captive in Myanmar have been repatriated to Indonesia. The two women, identified as operators of an online scam syndicate, arrived back in the country on Wednesday (29/7).

Brigadier General Untung Widyatmoko of the Indonesian National Police’s International Relations Division previously confirmed that the two individuals, known as SS from Tanjungpinang and AE from West Sumatra, were scam operators. They were held captive in Myawaddy, a region on the Myanmar-Thailand border known to be a conflict zone controlled by rebel groups and a hub for scam operations.

‘Myanmar police also do not dare to enter because they are allegedly being held captive in a rebel area,’ Untung stated.

The two women, who suffered injuries during their captivity, were flown home via Thailand and Malaysia. Imam Riyadi, Head of the Indonesian Migrant Worker Protection Service Centre (BP3MI), confirmed their arrival. A viral video had previously circulated on social media showing the two women in handcuffs, pleading for help to be returned to Indonesia.

BP3MI in West Sumatra verified that one of the women, Ayu, is a resident of Agam Regency. Officials stated she is believed to have travelled abroad through unofficial channels, as the agency had no record of her departure.