The suspects include 125 Vietnamese nationals, 84 Chinese nationals, and one individual from Myanmar.
Director General of Immigration Hendarsam Marantoko confirmed that the group, consisting of 163 men and 47 women, is currently undergoing intensive examination.
"We will process them administratively according to immigration law. If criminal elements are found pro justicia, they will be handed over to the police," Hendarsam stated on Friday.
The crackdown began in mid-April 2026 after intelligence detected suspicious movements at the Baloi View Apartments.
Following four weeks of covert surveillance, a joint task force of 60 personnel raided the apartment and a nearby residence on Wednesday, May 6.
The apartment reportedly functioned as a sophisticated operational hub.
Director of Immigration Supervision and Enforcement Brigadier General Yuldi Yusman explained that the fifth floor served as a command center.
Officers seized a vast array of hardware, including 131 computers, 93 laptops, 492 mobile phones, and 198 passports.
Initial investigations suggest the syndicate targeted victims in Europe and Vietnam using fraudulent trading applications.
"The mode involves using fake trading apps offered to overseas communities to take the victims' money," Yuldi noted.
The group allegedly promoted fictitious stock and foreign exchange investments.
Authorities highlighted a significant breach of stay permits. While most suspects entered via visa-free facilities or visit visas, their long-term communal residency contradicted their legal status.
"As many as 209 out of 210 people used temporary visit stays, so their permanent presence in large numbers at one location is not consistent with the purpose of their stay permit," Yuldi added.
While no Indonesian involvement has been detected yet, Batam Immigration Chief Wahyu Eka Putra stated that investigations are ongoing to identify local facilitators.
Language barriers have slightly slowed the interrogation process, but authorities remain committed to uncovering the full scale of the network.
The suspects are currently alleged to have violated Article 75 of the Immigration Act regarding activities that endanger public order and security.
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Translator: Amandine Nadja, Aditya Eko Sigit Wicaksono
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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