Crypto Job Scam Exposed Indonesian Victims Tricked and Trafficked to Myanmar Two Suspects Caught | BorneoTribun English

Monday, July 14, 2025

Crypto Job Scam Exposed Indonesian Victims Tricked and Trafficked to Myanmar Two Suspects Caught

Crypto Job Scam Exposed Indonesian Victims Tricked and Trafficked to Myanmar Two Suspects Caught
Crypto Job Scam Exposed Indonesian Victims Tricked and Trafficked to Myanmar Two Suspects Caught.

Jakarta — Here’s a wild one: Indonesian police just busted an international human trafficking ring using a sneaky crypto job scam. Yup, you read that right — victims were promised sweet-paying crypto admin gigs in the UAE, but ended up trapped and exploited in Myanmar instead.

It all started back in March 2025 when a group of Indonesians was repatriated from Myanmar. Digging deeper, investigators discovered they were originally recruited with a promise of high-paying work in the Middle East. But somewhere along the line, they were rerouted to Thailand, and eventually smuggled into Myawaddy, a conflict area in Myanmar.

The Crypto Job That Was Too Good to Be True

Victims were told they'd earn a monthly salary of 26,000 Baht (around Rp11 million). But the reality? No legit job, no proper pay — just exploitation, stress, and zero rights.

“The traffickers handled everything — from making passports, doing video call interviews via WhatsApp, buying flight tickets from Pangkal Pinang to Jakarta, even covering the journey all the way to Myanmar,” said Brigjen Pol. Dr. Nurul Azizah, Head of the TPPO and PPA Division at Bareskrim Polri (Indonesia’s Criminal Investigation Unit), on Monday (July 14, 2025).

Suspect Nabbed in Jakarta, Another Still on the Run

Police arrested one suspect, HR, in Jakarta on March 20, 2025. He played a big role in recruiting and sending victims overseas. But it didn’t stop there — another name came up: IR, who’s now officially a wanted fugitive (DPO) as of June 24, 2025.

“IR handled hotel bookings, ticket arrangements, and even dropped the victims off before they crossed into Myanmar. We've issued a warrant and informed all regional units to track him down,” added Nurul.

Here's What the Cops Seized:

  • 6 passports

  • 2 smartphones

  • 2 bank account books

  • 1 laptop

  • 3 passenger manifests

HR will be handed over to the Bangka District Attorney’s Office on July 14, 2025, for legal processing.

Follow the Money: Police Teaming Up with PPATK

To trace the money flow behind the operation, police are working with PPATK (Indonesia’s financial intelligence agency). They’re also joining forces with the Foreign Ministry and Interpol unit at Polri to uncover more players hiding abroad.

“This case shows how traffickers keep inventing new tricks to lure and trap people. We urge everyone to be super careful with job offers, especially ones that seem too good to be true,” warned Brigjen Nurul.

Legal Charges and Penalties

The suspects are now facing some serious charges:

  • Article 4 of Law No. 21/2007 on Human Trafficking — Up to 15 years in prison and fines up to Rp600 million

  • Article 81 of Law No. 18/2017 on the Protection of Indonesian Migrant Workers

  • Article 55 Paragraph (1) Point 1 of the Criminal Code (KUHP)

Quick Reminder for Everyone

If you're looking for jobs abroad, double-check everything. Make sure the agency is legit, licensed, and transparent. Don’t fall for random offers on social media or shady recruiters offering “easy money.”

Better safe than sorry, right?

  

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