DENPASAR, BALINEWS – Bali Police have uncovered two alleged online fraud cases involving offers to arrange South Korean visas and overseas employment in Australia, with victims suffering combined losses of approximately Rp268 million (US$16,000). Two suspects have been named in connection with the cases.
Bali Police’s Director of Special Criminal Investigation, Commissioner Aszhari Kurniawan, said the investigations began after police received two reports on September 15 and September 30, 2026.
In the first case, a suspect identified by the initials IKS allegedly offered visa status changes from an F2 visa and workplace transfers in South Korea through social media. The victim, who was living in South Korea, reportedly lost approximately Rp250 million.
IKS was apprehended on Jalan Melati in Sekarpuro Village, Pakis District, Malang Regency, East Java.
In the second case, a suspect identified by the initials IGRY allegedly offered employment opportunities in Australia through social media. The victim reportedly suffered financial losses of Rp18 million.
Police seized two mobile phones, several bank account details, and records of conversations between the victims and the alleged perpetrators as evidence in the two cases.
“The evidence we seized includes two mobile phones, several bank account details, and records of conversations between the victims and the alleged perpetrators,” Aszhari said.
Both suspects face charges under Article 28(1) in conjunction with Article 45A(1) of Law No. 1 of 2024, which amends Law No. 11 of 2008 on Electronic Information and Transactions (ITE Law). The provisions carry a maximum penalty of six years in prison or a fine of up to Rp1 billion.
They are also charged under Article 492 of Law No. 1 of 2023 on the Indonesian Criminal Code, which carries a maximum prison sentence of four years and/or a fine of up to Rp500 million.
Aszhari said Bali Police, through their cybercrime directorate, would continue to pursue online fraud cases. He also urged the public to improve their digital literacy and exercise caution when encountering offers involving document processing or overseas employment on social media.
“Bali Police, particularly the Cyber Directorate, remain committed to enforcing the law against online fraud and encouraging all members of the public to improve digital literacy and help maintain security in the digital space, particularly in Bali,” Aszhari said.
