The Immigration Office in Batam is currently conducting a thorough investigation of a Nigerian national, Promise Odinaka Kyrian, suspected of recruiting Indonesian migrant workers (PMI) for online gambling administration jobs abroad. This probe has been highlighted by Kharisma Rukmana, the Head of Information and Communication at the Batam Immigration Office.
Promise Odinaka Kyrian was apprehended by a joint team consisting of the Strategic Intelligence Agency (BAIS) of the Indonesian National Armed Forces, the Regional Intelligence Agency (BINDA) of the Riau Islands, Foreigner Surveillance (POA) of the Riau Islands Police, Directorate 32 of the Indonesian Intelligence Agency (BIN), and the Batam Immigration Office on the night of September 13, 2024, following community reports of suspicious recruitment activities.
Kyrian was arrested at a hotel in Jalan Brigjend Katamso, Tanjung Uncang, Batu Aji, Batam. The community had reported his and his partner’s involvement in offering jobs in Thailand and Cambodia for PMI, which would likely involve roles such as online gambling administration or customer service.
Following the arrest, Kyrian and his partner were taken to the Riau Islands Police Headquarters for a 24-hour investigation related to the recruitment allegations. Kyrian is also being examined for using an expired passport upon his entry into Indonesia, adding an immigration violation to his charges.
The local community has expressed concerns over the handling of the case, particularly regarding the effectiveness of the task force in addressing the scarcity of 3kg gas cylinders in Batam. Residents like Setiawan have voiced frustrations, suggesting that more proactive measures are required to address the community’s needs and law enforcement.
The Batam Immigration Office is committed to enforcing strict measures against those involved in illegal recruitment practices. Officials have stressed the importance of adhering to legal standards and have promised to take decisive actions against any violations, ensuring that the rights and well-being of potential migrant workers are protected.
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The ongoing investigation into Promise Odinaka Kyrian underscores the challenges and complexities of managing illegal recruitment activities in Batam. The case highlights the need for rigorous enforcement of immigration laws and the importance of international cooperation in tackling cross-border criminal activities.
Promise Odinaka Kyrian, a Nigerian national, is under intensive investigation by Batam Immigration for allegedly recruiting Indonesian workers for illegal online gambling operations abroad. His arrest follows reports from the local community about his activities, which also involved his partner. The case has raised concerns about the enforcement of immigration laws and the protection of migrant workers in Indonesia.
Sources: Batam News, Pos Metro (2024)
