PPATK Probes Alleged Money Laundering in BRI Skimming Case

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Financial Transaction Reports and Analysis Center (PPATK) helped investigate the card-skimming bank scheme experienced by customers of BRI Bank after Jakarta Metro Police investigators uncovered an illegal flow of funds used to purchase Bitcoins.

“Fintech and the PPATK cybercrime unit will coordinate with Indonesian police’s criminal investigation agency,” said PPATK Deputy Head Dian Ediana Rae on Saturday, March 17.

Read also: Police Arrest Five Suspects Involved in BRI Skimming Case

The crime involving card-skimming schemes did not just occur in Jakarta but has spread across Bandung, Yogyakarta, and Kediri.

According to Jakarta Metro Police’s general crimes, directorate uncovered that a syndicate that consists of 3 Romanians, one Hungarian, and one Indonesian were involved in the card-skimming scheme.

Bitcoin itself has been officially barred from any use in Indonesia after it was not recognized by Bank Indonesia (BI) or even the Financial Services Authority (OJK). The PPATK even already suspected that Bitcoin were used to launder money.

One out of the five suspects in the syndicate was responsible to exchange Rupiah into Euros, “Some were exchanged to Bitcoin,” said Jakarta Metro Police general crimes director Commissioner Nico Afinta.

Tempo attempted to confirm this statement to CEO of Bitcoin Indonesia, Oscar Darmawan but he only responded by stating; “I am currently overseas, please do contact me through Whatsapp,” he said. However, our Whatsapp text message has yet been responded by Oscar.

FAJAR PEBRIANTO