The Indonesian National Police’s Criminal Investigation Department (Bareskrim Polri) has arrested two Chinese nationals, identified as XJ and YXC, for allegedly operating a phishing scam using fake base transceiver stations (BTS) to send fraudulent SMS messages.
Phishing Scam Targeted Bank Customers
At a press conference on March 24, 2025, Bareskrim Polri chief Wahyu Widada revealed that the scam was discovered after customers of a private bank reported suspicious SMS messages designed to steal personal information.
“The fraudulent messages were sent to 259 bank customers, with eight victims falling for the scam and transferring funds via the provided links. The total financial loss amounted to Rp 289 million ($17,500),” Wahyu stated.
Investigation and Surveillance
Following multiple reports, the Cybercrime Directorate, in cooperation with the Directorate of Digital Infrastructure Control at the Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs, launched a surveillance operation on March 13. Investigators confirmed that the scammers used illegal telecom devices to impersonate banks.
Arrests and Ongoing Investigation
Authorities arrested XJ on March 18 while he was driving a vehicle equipped with fake BTS devices in South Jakarta’s Sudirman Central Business District (SCBD). Two days later, on March 20, they apprehended YXC in Tulodong Atas, South Jakarta.
Both suspects are currently detained at Bareskrim Polri’s facility, while authorities continue to hunt for the ringleader, who remains at large.
“We are actively pursuing the mastermind. The suspect has been placed on our wanted list, and we are working with the Immigration Office to prevent them from leaving the country,” Wahyu added.
As investigations continue, the police urge the public to remain cautious and avoid clicking on suspicious SMS links from unknown sources.
