29 Indonesians deported from Philippines for online fraud
The International Relations Department of Indonesia’s National Police (Polri) extradited 29 Indonesian nationals engaged in online gambling and scamming from the Philippines, Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) announced on Saturday.
Background of the extradition case
Indonesia and the Philippines have been intensifying their collaboration in combating transnational crimes. The recent extradition reiterates the determination of the two countries to stop illegal online activities that prey on innocent victims. In recent time, an upsurge has been witnessed in cybercrime, such as online fraud and illegal betting, which has become a priority for Southeast Asian nations. Such activities not only affect individuals but also threaten national security and economic stability. The 29 Indonesians were employees of an online gambling and scam company operating from Kanlaon Tower, Pasay City, Metro Manila. Philippine security authorities detained them before handing them over to Indonesian officials.
Crimes committed: Online gambling & scamming
According to officials, the individuals were involved in illegal gambling and fraudulent online activities, both of which are strictly prohibited under Philippine law. Their operations included investment scams and romance scams targeting unsuspecting victims.
Secretary of the National Central Bureau (NCB) Interpol Indonesia, Brigadier General Untung Widyatmoko, told the press, “The Philippine security authorities arrested them for having allegedly committed crimes related to online gambling and online scam activities, which are illegal and prohibited by the Government of the Philippines.”
Role of Philippine authorities in the arrest
The successful arrest of these individuals was due to close coordination between Indonesian authorities and Philippine law enforcers. The Philippine government has been aggressively combating online criminal syndicates that operate within the country.
Upon their arrival in Indonesia, the extradited individuals underwent a thorough investigation by Polri’s International Relations Division. This involved filling out detailed questionnaires to determine the extent of their involvement. The collected information will be analysed to ascertain whether the individuals were victims of human trafficking or active participants in the scams.
Widyatmoko further stated, “We will investigate these 29 people and separate those who are alleged victims and perpetrators.”
Past similar cases
Earlier, Polri facilitated the repatriation of 569 Indonesian migrant workers who fell victim to human trafficking in Myanmar’s Myawaddy region. Widyatmoko noted that the repatriation was carried out in two phases, 400 people in the first phase and 169 people in the second phase. Those Indonesians were forced to work in scamming activities, which, according to him, are in the form of investment scams and romance scams. The Presidential Communication Office (PCO) has reported that at least 6,800 Indonesian citizens have fallen victim to human trafficking abroad as of February 2025.
