The Criminal Investigation Unit of Polresta Barelang in Batam has apprehended five individuals suspected of being IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) jockeys for iPhones imported from Singapore. The apprehension occurred at Batam Center International Port following reports of rampant IMEI jockeying activities.
The Batam police have captured five persons suspected of engaging in the illegal registration of iPhones’ IMEI numbers. This operation was a response to reports of widespread IMEI manipulation involving iPhones brought from Singapore.
Kasat Reskrim of Polresta Barelang, Kompol Dwi Ramadhanto, clarified that the five individuals are currently considered witnesses and have not been detained.
The suspects allegedly facilitated the registration of IMEI numbers for iPhones through illicit means at Batam Center International Port, charging a fee of around Rp. 300,000 per device.
Twelve iPhones were seized as evidence. The police continue their investigation to uncover the deeper network and motive behind this IMEI jockeying practice.
Discussions are ongoing between Polresta Barelang and higher authorities, including the Kapolda Barelang, regarding the case’s development.
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The suspects, believed to be couriers and tourists from Singapore, are part of a larger inquiry that may lead to further arrests.
This case underlines the ongoing challenges in regulating digital device registration and highlights the intricate cross-border nature of such crimes. For Singaporeans and international visitors, it serves as a cautionary tale about the legal risks of engaging in or supporting such activities.
In a significant move against illegal IMEI registration, Batam’s Polresta Barelang has detained five suspects linked to a jockeying scheme involving iPhones from Singapore. The suspects are currently being interrogated as witnesses, with further investigations pending to determine the full extent of this illicit network.
Source: Batam News, Detik (2024)
