Online Scam Syndicate Disguised as Chinese Police Busted in South Jakarta

Jakarta, En Indonesiaupdates - South Jakarta Police have uncovered an online fraud ring disguised as the “Wuchang District Police Branch” operating from a house on Jalan Pertanian Raya, Lebak Bulus, Cilandak, South Jakarta. The operation led to the arrest of 11 Chinese nationals involved in impersonating Chinese law enforcement to scam victims via video calls.

“These 11 foreign nationals had been staying in the house for about four to five months, starting around March,” said South Jakarta Metro Police Chief, Commissioner Nicolas Ary Lilipaly, during a press conference on Wednesday, July 30, 2025.

Soundproofed Headquarters

The syndicate had converted a room in the house into a soundproof command center, sealed off from outsiders. Even domestic helpers employed at the residence were restricted from entering the upper floors.

“There were two Indonesian domestic workers, identified by initials YD and S. They were prohibited from cleaning or accessing the upstairs area where the suspects operated,” Lilipaly explained.

Video Call Scams in Mandarin

According to police, the suspects conducted fake video calls posing as officers from China’s Economic Investigation Unit, part of the fictional Wuchang District Police Branch in Wuhan.

Police found convincing props during the raid, including:

• Chinese police uniforms

• Handcuffs

• Walls with Mandarin text stating “Wuchang Branch, Wuhan – Economic Investigation Unit”

“They pretended to be members of China’s economic crimes unit, wearing uniforms and speaking Mandarin to deceive victims,” said Lilipaly.

Tip-Off from Locals

The case was uncovered after a local resident reported suspicious activities at the house. Police and immigration officials raided the property on Thursday, July 24, 2025, and apprehended all 11 foreign nationals.

Authorities believe the suspects were running an online scam targeting victims outside Indonesia, leveraging their Chinese identities and fake law enforcement roles.

Legal Action and International Coordination

The suspects will be charged under multiple laws:

• Article 28 of Law No. 11 of 2008 (ITE Law) as amended by Law No. 1 of 2004

• Article 378 of the Criminal Code (Fraud)

• Law No. 6 of 2011 on Immigration

South Jakarta Police are also coordinating with Interpol and the Chinese Embassy to further investigate the syndicate’s victims and prosecute the suspects under international cooperation.

“We will continue working closely with the Chinese Embassy and Interpol to ensure these individuals are held accountable, and to trace the extent of their fraud,” Lilipaly said.