US Fugitive Wanted for Sexual Abuse Arrested in Depok Bunker
The Directorate General of Immigration of the Ministry of Immigration and National Security has arrested an American citizen, identified by the initials AW, who was being hunted by US law enforcement. AW reportedly fled to Indonesia in 2011 to evade legal proceedings regarding sexual abuse offences committed in the United States.
For at least 15 years, AW has been a fugitive from US authorities. During his time in Indonesia, he utilised forged identities and committed further immigration violations, including the misuse of travel documents. Immigration officials apprehended AW on Thursday (23/4) while he was hiding in a bunker within his residence in the Sawangan area, Depok, West Java.
Immigration authorities confirmed that AW committed serious violations involving the use of false identities and the misuse of travel documents. The case came to light after a woman, identified as NM, reported to the Directorate General of Immigration that she and her two children had been subjected to restricted freedom and sexual abuse by AW. Following the report, the Directorate General of Immigration facilitated the repatriation of NM and her children to the United States.
Subsequent to this, immigration authorities focused their efforts on locating AW. The arrest was executed following a request for assistance from the US Embassy, alongside a series of investigations and intelligence operations. Once AW’s hiding place was identified, he was apprehended, and the Directorate General of Immigration coordinated with US authorities.
AW has been processed for his immigration violations and subsequently deported to the United States. He has been subject to immigration administrative measures, including detention, deportation, and a prohibition order (blacklisting).
The Director General of Immigration, Hendarsam Marantoko, emphasised that this success demonstrates the effectiveness of immigration surveillance. He stated that the Immigration Department remains committed to maintaining national security and sovereignty through the application of selective policy principles and the spirit of ‘Immigration for the People’.