BADUNG, DEWATA.NEWS – Indonesian police have uncovered a suspected online scam operation in Bali, detaining 27 individuals during a raid at a guest house in Kedonganan, Kuta, on Monday (April 27).
The operation was led by Denpasar Police Chief Kombes Pol. Leonardo David Simatupang, involving joint personnel from Denpasar Police and Kuta Police.
Authorities confirmed that those detained include 26 foreign nationals from multiple countries and one Indonesian citizen. The raid followed a report from the Philippine Embassy in Jakarta regarding a suspected case of confinement involving one of its citizens allegedly forced to work as a scam operator.
According to police, the group had been staying at the property, where several second-floor rooms had been converted into workspaces equipped with laptops and internet connections.
Officers also found that some of the foreign nationals, including individuals from the Philippines and Kenya, were unable to present valid passports during initial checks.
Police seized multiple pieces of evidence from the site, including dozens of mobile phones, laptops, tablets, internet devices, and items resembling foreign law enforcement attributes.
“All detained foreign nationals are currently undergoing identification and intensive questioning. We are also coordinating with Bali Immigration to verify their legal status,” Simatupang said on Tuesday (April 28).
The investigation is being handled by a joint team involving criminal investigation and cybercrime units from Bali Police.
Authorities stated that the case remains under development as investigators work to uncover potential networks behind the operation and assess possible criminal violations, while also ensuring protection for any victims involved.