Immigration Arrests 27 Foreign Nationals in Love Scam Syndicate in Gading Serpong, Using AI to Persuade Victims to Send Inappropriate Photos.

The Directorate General of Immigration has successfully dismantled an international cybercrime syndicate operating in the Gading Serpong area of Tangerang, which used a love scam modus operandi.

A total of 27 foreign nationals were apprehended after being found guilty of conducting online extortion using artificial intelligence technology.

Sophisticated Modus Operandi: AI Seduction to Blackmail

The syndicate was found to operate in an organized manner by utilizing an AI application called Hello GPT. This technology was used to craft convincing romantic conversations to ensnare victims through social media.

It was explained that after a victim became enamored, the perpetrator would send indecent content to lure the victim into a video call.

“That is when the perpetrator would record the act and proceed with blackmail. They threatened to distribute the recording if the victim did not send a sum of money,” a statement noted.

Chronology of the Arrests

This cleanup operation took place in several stages. The initial arrest occurred, when a team raided the first location in Gading Serpong and secured 14 foreign nationals: 13 from China and 1 from Vietnam.

“At that location, officers also secured a number of pieces of evidence in the form of scattered computers and mobile phones, as well as two Chinese passports under the names HJ and ZR,” the statement detailed.

Subsequently, at an apartment in the BSD area, officers arrested a Chinese national with the initials MX who had overstayed by 137 days.

On the same day, 6 other Chinese nationals were arrested in Curug Sangereng. “Two of them had overstayed and attempted to deceive officers by using fake documents,” the statement revealed.

Finally, officers again apprehended 4 Chinese foreign nationals in Gading Serpong. In addition, 2 other individuals on the wanted list were intercepted while attempting to cross through the airport.

Cross-Border Network

The investigation revealed that this syndicate was controlled by an international network. Funding is strongly suspected to have come from a financier in China with the initials ZH.

“Meanwhile, operations in Indonesia were led by a figure with the initials ZK, referred to as the ‘Big Boss,’ assisted by a field operator with the initials ZJ (alias Titi) as well as the married couple CZ and BZ,” the statement added.

To date, a total of 27 foreign nationals have been secured in Immigration detention rooms for intensive examination. They face severe sanctions for residence permit violations and indications of cybercrime offenses.

Immigration authorities have also placed 105 other Chinese nationals on a Subject of Interest list due to strong suspicion of being linked to this network.

“This operation demonstrates our seriousness in eradicating transnational crime. We will not tolerate activities that threaten public security,” the statement emphasized.