Indonesia detains 17 Malaysian and Singaporean nationals over online lending operation in Bali


Some 17 Malaysian and Singaporean nationals detained by immigration officers amid a probe over online loan syndicate in Badung District, Bali, on Thursday (Oct 22, 2026). - Photo: Antara

JAKARTA: (Bernama-Xinhua) Indonesian immigration authorities detained 17 foreigners suspected of operating an online lending business in violation of their residence permits in the resort island of Bali, officials said on Tuesday (Oct 27), reported Xinhua.

The detainees comprise 15 Malaysians and two Singaporeans, said Muhamad Novyandri, head of the local immigration office.

Preliminary findings indicated that the operation had three managers and 14 administrators who advertised loans on social media and directed potential borrowers to WhatsApp numbers. They collected personal information, including employment details, salary slips and emergency contact information, Novyandri said.

The targets were fellow foreigners, and no Indonesian customers had been identified so far, Novyandri said, adding that the suspects are being held in immigration detention for questioning.  - Bernama-Xinhua

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