"We have now received two reports. Now, we will prioritize the handling of these reports," Head of the West Jakarta Police Criminal Investigation Unit Joko Dwi Harsono stated on Tuesday.
According to Harsono, the two current reports being handled by the police solely focus on criminal acts committed by debt collectors and do not concern the legality aspects of the company.
"Is there a threat or distribution of personal data belonging to the customer? Then, if there are vulgar photos that are spread, we can also charge them," Harsono noted.
So far, the two reports are still under investigation. His administration will examine several witnesses and seek evidence pertaining to the alleged crime.
Harsono also informed that his administration had received several complaints from the public regarding the disturbing practice of illegal online loan services.
"There are several complaints. Some are complaints, while some are reports. If it is report, it means that after the results of the verification, the evidence has been handed and completed," he elaborated.
Related news: How illegal online companies ensnare youths looking for jobs
On October 14, 2021, the Greater Jakarta Police raided the office of an illegal lending company in a shophouse in Cipondoh District, Tangerang City.
"Today, we conducted raids at PT ITN in a four-story shophouse. From the raids, it was found that PT ITN had used 13 applications. Some 10 of them are illegal applications," head of public relations for the Jakarta Metro Police, Senior Commissioner Yusri Yunus, stated in Jakarta last Thursday.
The police arrested 32 people, including the company's management and employees, during the raid, he noted.
They were taken to the Greater Jakarta Police for questioning in connection with the investigation, he noted.
Yunus cautioned the public to not be easily tempted by illegal online loan offers.
"This is an example to the public that do not be tempted by this fintech offer, because at first, they offered a good offer, but then they ensnare their customers," he emphasized.
The police also raided a shophouse in Cengkareng, West Jakarta, on October 13, 2021, which was reportedly serving as the office of a loan syndicate.
Some 56 employees of the loan offering and collection department were apprehended and taken for questioning.
The police confiscated several pieces of evidence, such as 52 computers and 56 cellular phones, during the raid.
The Financial Services Authorities confirmed that the online loan service was illegal due to which the police decided to raid their base of operation.
Related news: Beware of illegal online loan services, warn officials
Translator: Walda Marison, Mecca Yumna
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
Copyright © ANTARA 2021
