BARESKRIM POLRI ARRESTS NIGERIAN NATIONAL IN INTERNATIONAL SCAM SCHEME ON HAYAM WURUK STREET, JAKARTA

JAKARTA Indonesia, NETTInpo. Com

The General Criminal Investigation Directorate of Bareskrim Polri arrested a 35-year-old Nigerian national, identified as O.A., suspected of masterminding an online scam scheme that defrauded hundreds of victims in Indonesia. The arrest took place at a shophouse on Jl. Hayam Wuruk, Central Jakarta, on Saturday night, May 9, 2026, at around 10:00 p.m. WIB.

Head of Public Relations for Bareskrim Polri, Police Commissioner Rifki Eka Wahyu, confirmed the arrest in an official statement early Sunday, May 10. "The suspect was arrested after two weeks of intensive investigation. We seized laptops, mobile phones, and forged documents used for investment scams and romance scams," Rifki said.

Modus Operandi 

The suspect used Telegram and WhatsApp to carry out the fraud. The first method involved offering fake investments with promises of 200 percent profit in one week. The second method was a romance scam, where the suspect requested money transfers under the pretext of a family emergency.

Victim losses are estimated at Rp5 billion. Most victims were migrant workers in Bali and Jakarta who were lured by promises of quick wealth.

How the Case Was Uncovered

The arrest stemmed from a report filed by a victim in Bali via the Polri WhatsApp service. The Bareskrim team traced cryptocurrency transactions and IP addresses that led to a shophouse on Jl. Hayam Wuruk, an area known for its high concentration of foreign traders.

During the raid, the suspect was found coordinating 10 fake accounts. Three local accomplices who were also involved are currently at large.

Suspected Transnational Syndicate 

O.A. is suspected of being part of a transnational syndicate operating since 2025. "We are coordinating with Interpol to track down the international network," Rifki added.

The suspect is currently detained at Salemba Detention Center. He is charged under Article 378 of the Criminal Code on fraud and the Electronic Information and Transactions Law, facing up to 12 years in prison.

Call for Victims to Report

Bareskrim Polri urges victims to report to their local police stations for asset recovery processing. This case adds to the list of scam arrests involving foreign nationals in Indonesia, following similar cases in Phnom Penh and Denpasar last year.

_Source: Official statement from Bareskrim Polri, victim transaction data, and CCTV footage. Further coverage to follow._