Victim robbed and threatened at knife-point by four perpetrators in hotel room scheme
A 26-year-old man in Batam was violently assaulted and extorted after booking a woman through MiChat, leading to the arrest of four suspects who orchestrated the trap.
Crime Unfolds After App Encounter
MT, a 26-year-old man from Batam, was staying at a hotel in Lubuk Baja when he arranged to meet a woman identified as AS (30) through the MiChat app. The initial encounter seemed uneventful, with AS leaving after the meeting under the pretext of checking on her sick child. However, what followed was a calculated and violent setup.
Fake Husband, Real Threats
The next morning, AS returned to the hotel, accompanied by a man posing as her brother. After receiving money and cigarettes, the man left. Soon after, three more men—MF (25), RA (28), and AM (20)—entered the room. One of them, MF, falsely claimed to be AS’s husband. According to police, MF and AS are actually in a romantic relationship, not legally married.
Assault and Coercion in Hotel Room
Once inside, the group assaulted MT. One of the men held a knife to his throat while demanding access to his mobile banking app. Under duress, the victim was forced to unlock his phone and reveal his ATM PIN. The group stole a Redmi 13 phone and IDR 9.7 million (SGD 759) in cash before fleeing the scene.
Following MT’s report to the Lubuk Baja Police, authorities launched an immediate investigation. On April 14, officers apprehended three of the suspects at a hotel in Jodoh, Batu Ampar. The fourth suspect, AM, later surrendered himself to the police the same day.
According to Iptu Noval Adimas Ardianto, head of the Criminal Investigation Unit at Lubuk Baja Police, all four suspects have confessed to their involvement in the assault and extortion plot. The authorities have since detained them for further legal processing.
The case has reignited discussions around safety when using social applications for personal encounters. The police have urged the public to exercise caution and report any suspicious or threatening behavior to avoid falling victim to similar traps.
This disturbing incident highlights the dangers of online encounters that escalate into criminal acts. As Batam continues to grow as a travel and social hub, both residents and visitors must remain vigilant. Authorities’ swift response sends a strong message against organized schemes targeting unsuspecting individuals.
Sources: Detik (2025), Durasi (2025)
Keywords: Batam Assault Case, MiChat Trap, Victim Robbed In Hotel, Extortion With Knife, Mobile Banking Theft
