Batam, Batamnews.co.id - Shocking Details Surface After Arrest of 88 Chinese Nationals in Love Scamming Case in Batam, Riau Islands.

A source from Batamnews.co.id reported on Monday (4/9/2023), "AM was actively involved in the arrival and presence of the love scamming syndicate." Currently, AM is suspected to have fled the country with a Chinese national who is the ringleader of this love scamming operation.

Known as a nightlife entertainment entrepreneur in Batam, AM has recently branched out into the hotel and disco industries. This criminal activity is suspected to have been ongoing for years.

AM fled on the day of the raid on the love scamming operation's location. He escaped with one of the Chinese nationals, who is the boss of the criminal gang and is known to be close to AM. "They have fled to Malaysia," said the source to Batamnews.co.id. The Chinese national is also said to possess an Indonesian ID card.

Arrest of 88 Chinese Nationals

On August 29, 2023, the Riau Islands Police along with the People’s Police of China successfully raided and arrested 88 suspects. Interestingly, all victims of this crime are foreign nationals, with no Indonesian citizens affected. The total loss suffered by the victims amounts to 10,000 Yuan, or approximately IDR 20 billion.

Strategic Location

Nasriadi, Director of Criminal Investigation in Riau Islands Police, in a press conference said, "We have also checked immigration records and found that the suspects entered the country in various ways." Batam was chosen as the operational location due to its easy accessibility from Singapore and Jakarta.

Escape Plans and Evidence

The criminals were found to have well-planned escape routes. They could flee either by air or through international ports in Batam. Additionally, police have secured confiscated electronic items as evidence of the crime.

Allegations of Money Laundering

Several parties suspect AM of laundering the ill-gotten money into several of his business units. "No wonder he was able to build this and that in a short period of time," said a local entrepreneur in Batam.