Bali immigration probes 26 foreigners nabbed in online scam case

Denpasar, Bali (ANTARA) - Some 26 foreign nationals have been arrested in Bali for their suspected of involvement in an online scam syndicate, with the local immigration authority is confirming their fugitive status with their embassies in Jakarta.

"Information regarding whether the individuals are wanted is being requested from the embassies of the arrested nationals," Ngurah Rai Immigration Office Head Bugie Kurniawan said on Tuesday.

Kurniawan mentioned the 26 foreign nationals originated from several countries, including Philippines, and they are currently held at a facility under immigration authority.

The Denpasar Police, which is responsible for the case investigation, is coordinating with the Bali provincial police to determine the prosecution against the foreign nationals.

"The investigation is ongoing to determine whether this is an online scam or human trafficking case," Kurniawan said.

The 26 foreign nationals were arrested at a hotel in Kuta, Badung District, on April 27, during a joint operation by Kuta and Denpasar police officers.

The operation was conducted following the reports from Philippine embassy in Jakarta, that their citizens were being held by the suspected syndicate in Bali to work as online scam operators.

During the operation, some of the foreign nationals could not produce legal travel documents when requested by the officers. The investigation into the syndicate, including suspected kidnapping, is ongoing with the possibility of a wider criminal network also being considered.