Indonesian Police, FBI Uncover International Online Scam Ring in Solo

Authorities in Central Java, Indonesia, have successfully dismantled an international online scam syndicate operating in the Solo Raya region, with significant cooperation from the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The operation targeted foreign nationals, primarily from the United States, who were defrauded through a sophisticated 'pig butchering' scheme.

According to Kombes Pol. Himawan Sutanto Saragih, Director of Cyber Crime for the Central Java Regional Police, the investigation began with cyber patrols, leading officers to identify seven locations across Sukoharjo Regency and Surakarta City. These sites included a corporate office, identified as PT Digi Global Konsultan in Solo Baru, Sukoharjo, which allegedly served as a recruitment hub and main operational center. Six other locations were boarding houses used by perpetrators to obscure their activities.

The syndicate, which operated from July 2025 to May 2026, employed 39 suspects: 28 Indonesians, 7 Nepalis, and 4 Myanmarese. They managed to defraud 133 victims, accumulating approximately US$2.3 million (around Rp 41.1 billion). The police collaborated with the Indonesian Financial Transaction Reports and Analysis Center (PPATK) to trace financial flows and the Directorate General of Immigration to handle the foreign nationals involved.

The 'pig butchering' scam involved perpetrators building romantic relationships with victims online, often using fake identities, persuasive photos, and even live video calls facilitated by a woman identified only as 'F'. Once trust was established, victims were lured into investing in fraudulent cryptocurrency schemes. Communication typically began on dating apps like Tinder or social media platforms like Facebook before moving to private messaging applications.

During the operation, police seized evidence and are continuing to investigate the financial trails. The collaboration with the FBI underscores the international nature of these cybercrimes and the importance of cross-border cooperation in bringing perpetrators to justice.

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This scam is carried out by perpetrators under the guise of building romantic relationships with victims, then persuading victims to invest in fake investments or cryptocurrencies.