The Riau Islands Migrant Worker Service and Protection Center (BP3MI) provided details of the incident in a written statement released on Saturday.
Head of the Riau Islands BP3MI, Imam Riyadi, said the individual, identified by the initials MZ, a resident of North Sumatra province, was lured by the promise of a high salary.
His departure was arranged by an illegal migrant worker syndicate operating in Cambodia.
"Upon further investigation, it was found that the recruiter, identified as R, is based in Cambodia, while A (who was) supporting (R in recruiting people) is based in Tanjungpinang," Riyadi informed.
He said R contacted MZ by phone, persuaded him to take the job of an online gambling operator by promising a monthly salary of Rp10 million.
After MZ agreed, the recruiter arranged for his departure on May 25, 2025, from Kualanamu Airport in Medan to Hang Nadim Airport in Batam, and then by sea to SBP Port in Tanjungpinang.
MZ was scheduled to fly to Phnom Penh, Cambodia, via Malaysia. However, the plan was busted when officials from the Riau Islands BP3MI secured MZ at SBP Port on Wednesday (June 4).
He was questioned by the Tanjungpinang Police and is currently staying at a BP3MI shelter.
"The individual suspected of assisting (the victims' departure) in Tanjungpinang will also be questioned," Riyadi said, adding that a case review will be held soon.
Meanwhile, Minister for the Protection of Migrant Workers, Abdul Kadir Karding, has advised the public, especially prospective migrant workers, to reject any job offers related to online gambling jobs abroad.
"Always depart through legal channels to avoid problems and be protected," he emphasized.
Related news: 6,800 Indonesians involved in online fraud overseas: govt
Related news: Ministry to repatriate another 92 trafficking victims from Myanmar
Translator: Kuntum, Kenzu
Editor: Aditya Eko Sigit Wicaksono
Copyright © ANTARA 2025
