Foreign Nationals Arrested in Bali Guest House Over Alleged International Scam Ring

Indonesian police have dismantled an alleged international online scam operation in Bali, detaining 27 individuals—including 26 foreign nationals—during a raid on a guest house in Kedonganan, Kuta, on Monday, April 27, 2026. The operation, led by Denpasar Police Chief Kombes Pol. Leonardo David Simatupang, targeted a suspected network of scammers accused of confining victims and forcing them to conduct fraudulent activities.

Raid Uncovers Suspected Scam Hub

The joint raid, conducted by personnel from Denpasar Police and Kuta Police, took place at a guest house located on Jalan Bypass Ngurah Rai, Gang Karang Sari, in Kedonganan. Authorities discovered that several second-floor rooms had been converted into workspaces equipped with laptops, mobile phones, tablets, and high-speed internet connections—tools allegedly used to carry out the scams.

Among those detained, police identified nationals from multiple countries, including the Philippines and Kenya. During initial checks, some individuals were unable to present valid passports, raising concerns about their legal status in Indonesia. Bali Immigration officials are now verifying the immigration records of all detained foreign nationals.

Police seized dozens of electronic devices, including laptops, smartphones, and internet routers, as well as items resembling foreign law enforcement insignia—potential props used to lend credibility to the scams. The investigation is being handled by a joint team from Bali Police’s criminal investigation and cybercrime units.

Allegations of Forced Labor and Confinement

The case came to light following a report from the Philippine Embassy in Jakarta, which alerted Indonesian authorities to the suspected confinement of one of its citizens. The embassy’s complaint alleged that the individual was being forced to work as a scam operator against their will.

Denpasar Police Chief Simatupang confirmed on Tuesday, April 28, that all detained individuals are undergoing intensive questioning to determine their roles in the operation. “We are coordinating with Bali Immigration to verify their legal status and trace any potential larger network behind this case,” he said. Authorities are also investigating whether other victims may have been held at the location.

Head of Criminal Investigation at Denpasar Police, Commissioner Agus Riwayanto Diputra, told local media that the investigation is focused on uncovering the modus operandi of the scammers and identifying any additional perpetrators. “The team is still delving into the details of their activities,” he said, adding that updates would be provided as the case progresses.

Broader Context of Scam Operations in Indonesia

The raid in Bali follows a pattern of similar crackdowns across Indonesia in recent years, where foreign nationals have been linked to large-scale online fraud operations. In June 2024, Indonesian authorities arrested over 100 foreign nationals in Bali suspected of participating in cybercrime, including romance scams and investment fraud. Many of those detained were later found to have overstayed their visas or used forged documents.

Cyber slavery—a term used to describe the coercion of individuals into conducting online scams—has become a growing concern in Southeast Asia. Victims, often lured by false promises of high-paying jobs, are reportedly confined and forced to work under threats of violence or legal repercussions. Indonesian authorities have previously noted the challenges of prosecuting such cases, particularly when victims are located outside the country.

Bali Immigration Director I Gede Adi Saputra Jaya emphasized the importance of cross-border cooperation in addressing these crimes. “We are working closely with embassies and international law enforcement agencies to ensure that those involved face justice,” he said in a separate statement.

Next Steps in the Investigation

As of Tuesday, April 28, the 27 detained individuals remain in police custody while authorities continue their investigation. Police are expected to release further details, including the identities of the suspects and the full scope of the alleged scams, in the coming days.

For victims of online scams or individuals with information about similar operations, Indonesian police have urged the public to report cases to local authorities or through official cybercrime reporting channels.