 |
| Online Extortion Case: Man Threatens to Leak Intimate Photos of Ex-Girlfriend and Collects Rp12 Million in Ransom. |
A young woman has become the victim of an online extortion scheme orchestrated by her former boyfriend. A 24-year-old man, identified by his initials ARS, was arrested after blackmailing his ex-girlfriend, D (22), into sending him money under the threat of leaking her private photos and videos.
Started as an Online Romance, Ended in Blackmail and Threats
The story began in 2023 when ARS and the victim met through Facebook. Their relationship grew through online conversations, eventually leading to a virtual romantic relationship, although they never met in person.
During the course of their relationship, ARS persuaded the victim to send him explicit photos and videos. In December 2024, their relationship ended, but things took a dark turn. ARS claimed he lost his phone, which allegedly contained the private materials.
He then directed the victim to a fake Facebook account named "AA" that sent threatening messages, demanding Rp2 million (approx. $120) to prevent the photos from being leaked online.
Extortion Through Messaging Apps and Fake Promises
ARS continued the blackmail via his own WhatsApp account, pretending to help delete the photos from the lost phone. He also offered "tech services" for an extra fee, further exploiting the victim's fear.
From December 2024 to June 2025, the victim sent ARS a total of Rp12 million (approximately $720) out of fear her photos would be leaked.
Undercover Operation Leads to Arrest
Unable to bear the constant threats, the victim reported the case to the police. On Saturday, June 14, 2025, officers from the Inhu Police Criminal Investigation Unit set up a sting operation with the victim’s help.
A meeting was arranged at a gold shop in Pangkalan Kasai, Seberida District, Riau. When ARS showed up to collect another payment, police arrested him on the spot.
Authorities seized a mobile phone and Rp2.5 million in cash as evidence. Further investigation revealed that the fake "AA" Facebook account belonged to ARS himself, and the account used to receive payments was connected to an e-wallet linked to online gambling.
ARS Admits to Creating Fake Accounts and Extortion Scheme
According to Aiptu Sadarman, Deputy Head of the Criminal Unit at Inhu Police, ARS confessed to the entire scheme, including fabricating online identities and carrying out the extortion.
ARS is now in police custody and faces multiple charges:
-
Article 27B paragraphs (1) and (2), in conjunction with Article 45 paragraphs (8) and (10) of Law No. 1 of 2024 amending Law No. 11 of 2008 on Electronic Information and Transactions (ITE)
-
Article 4 in conjunction with Article 29 of Law No. 44 of 2008 on Pornography
-
Article 368 of the Indonesian Criminal Code regarding extortion
He could face up to 9 years in prison if convicted.
Police Urge Caution in Online Interactions
The police have issued a strong warning to the public, especially young people, to be extra cautious when interacting online. Aiptu Misran, Head of Public Relations at Inhu Police, emphasized the importance of not sharing personal or sensitive content with people you have never met in person.
"Don't fall for sweet talk on the internet. Always protect your privacy, and never share intimate photos or information with strangers online," Misran said.
Police are continuing their investigation to identify possible additional victims or accomplices.
*READ MORE LATEST NEWS AT GOOGLE NEWS