Indonesia detains 17 foreigners over online lending operation in Bali

JAKARTA, Oct. 27 (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 Tuesday.

File photo: AFP

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.