TheJakartaPost

Please Update your browser

Your browser is out of date, and may not be compatible with our website. A list of the most popular web browsers can be found below.
Just click on the icons to get to the download page.

Jakarta Post

Gang of alleged extortionists arrested in East Jakarta

News Desk (The Jakarta Post)
Jakarta
Wed, October 10, 2018 Published on Oct. 10, 2018 Published on 2018-10-10T12:50:30+07:00

Change text size

Gift Premium Articles
to Anyone

Share the best of The Jakarta Post with friends, family, or colleagues. As a subscriber, you can gift 3 to 5 articles each month that anyone can read—no subscription needed!
Sellers prepare goods at the Kramat Jati wholesale market in East Jakarta in May. On Oct. 5, East Jakarta Police arrested nine people suspected of extortion at the market. Sellers prepare goods at the Kramat Jati wholesale market in East Jakarta in May. On Oct. 5, East Jakarta Police arrested nine people suspected of extortion at the market. (JP/P.J.Leo)

N

ine people have been arrested at the Kramat Jati wholesale market in East Jakarta on suspicion of extortion. They allegedly extorted their victims by claiming to be members of a certain civil organization.

According to the police, the suspects, who were arrested last Friday, would rake in up to Rp 50 million a day (US$3,289), wearing uniforms bearing the logos of an unnamed organization.

East Jakarta Police crime unit chief Sr. Adj. Comr. Ida Ketut said the gang had targeted pickup cars carrying vegetables that were unloading their goods around the market. They allegedly extorted Rp 20,000 from every driver.

"Rp 20,000 seems like a small amount of money, but they did this over 24 hours," Ida Ketut said as quoted by kompas.com on Tuesday.

During the arrest, police confiscated Rp 5,050,000, which the suspects are believed to have collected within just two hours, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Besides extortion, the gang allegedly had also been involved in illegal parking.

"They used the market's parking lot for their own benefit, which is why many vehicles would be parked outside the area, causing traffic congestion," Ida added.

The suspects will be charged under Article 368 of the Criminal Code on extortion, which carries a punishment of up to nine years in prison. (vla)

Your Opinion Matters

Share your experiences, suggestions, and any issues you've encountered on The Jakarta Post. We're here to listen.

Enter at least 30 characters
0 / 30

Thank You

Thank you for sharing your thoughts. We appreciate your feedback.

Share options

Quickly share this news with your network—keep everyone informed with just a single click!

Change text size options

Customize your reading experience by adjusting the text size to small, medium, or large—find what’s most comfortable for you.

Gift Premium Articles
to Anyone

Share the best of The Jakarta Post with friends, family, or colleagues. As a subscriber, you can gift 3 to 5 articles each month that anyone can read—no subscription needed!

Continue in the app

Get the best experience—faster access, exclusive features, and a seamless way to stay updated.