Chinese and Indonesian Police Bust 88 Suspects in Telecom Fraud Ring, USDT Linked to Extortion Scheme

By 0xGorki 09/2/23 4:31 AM

In a significant joint operation, Chinese and Indonesian police have successfully dismantled a major criminal network engaged in cross-border telecommunications fraud, resulting in the arrest of 88 suspects involved in fraudulent activities. This operation marks a crucial step in the fight against telecommunications fraud, with the Chinese police actively cooperating with law enforcement agencies from Thailand, Cambodia, Myanmar, the Philippines, and other countries. It has been revealed that USDT, played a substantial role in facilitating these fraudulent activities.

The crackdown on this elaborate criminal network came as part of the ongoing efforts to combat new forms of illegal activities in the telecommunications sector. Chinese and Indonesian law enforcement agencies collaborated intensively, leading to the recent operation on the Indonesian island of Batam. This operation targeted a major criminal organization involved in cross-border extortion through illicit online activities, specifically involving explicit content.

The operation resulted from meticulous investigation and analysis conducted by Chinese authorities in various regions, including Beijing and Shandong. The investigative team traced the criminal network to Indonesia and identified key individuals involved in the illicit activities. On August 23, a team of Chinese police officers, with the support and coordination of the Chinese embassy in Indonesia, joined forces with Indonesian law enforcement agencies to combat telecommunications fraud.

Building on the evidence gathered during their investigation, the Indonesian police conducted a series of coordinated raids on August 29, successfully dismantling the criminal network operating on Batam Island. The operation led to the arrest of 88 suspects directly linked to telecommunications fraud. Additionally, the authorities seized more than 80 computers, over 200 mobile phones, and a substantial number of bank cards used as tools in their criminal activities. It was determined that this criminal network was responsible for over 40 cases of extortion-related telecommunications fraud in multiple Chinese regions, and further investigations are underway.

Indonesian authorities have agreed to extradite the arrested suspects to China, where they will face legal proceedings. Chinese law enforcement officials have expressed their commitment to maintaining a high-pressure stance against cross-border telecommunications fraud and will continue to intensify their efforts, both domestically and through international law enforcement cooperation. This operation underscores their determination to curb the growing threat of telecommunications fraud, ensuring the safety and security of citizens and their financial assets.

In recent years, extortion-related telecommunications fraud has become a rampant and highly damaging form of cybercrime. Perpetrators use various tactics to lure victims, often starting with explicit content on social and live-streaming platforms, forums, and online communities. Once they have gained the victim’s trust, they trick them into downloading malicious apps that steal personal information, including phone contacts. Subsequently, they engage in explicit video chats, recording the interactions to use as leverage for extortion. Victims, out of fear of reputation damage or exposure, are coerced into making payments to the fraudsters. Some victims fall into a cycle of repeated extortion, accumulating massive debts on online lending platforms, while others tragically succumb to the psychological pressure, choosing to take their own lives.

The authorities remain committed to eradicating this pernicious form of cybercrime and protecting the public from its harmful consequences. This successful international operation serves as a testament to the resolve of law enforcement agencies in China and Indonesia to combat telecommunications fraud relentlessly.

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