Two suspects lured victim via dating app, threatened her with machete, stole valuables
A pair of street criminals in Batam, Indonesia, used a dating app to lure a woman into a terrifying robbery. The suspects threatened her with a machete and stole over Rp20 million worth of jewelry and phones before being captured by police.
Robbery Set Up Through Dating App
Two men—Muhammad Fahri (24) and Evri Dwi Putra (28)—targeted their victim using the dating app OMI, later shifting communication to WhatsApp. On June 9, 2025, they arranged to meet the woman and picked her up using a Honda Brio. They then switched vehicles to a Daihatsu Rocky in Melcem to avoid detection, according to Barelang Police Chief Kombes Pol Zaenal Arifin.
Victim Threatened With Machete
As the ride continued through various areas of Batam, the suspects suddenly turned violent in the Marina area. One of them brandished a machete, shouting threats to kill her if she didn’t comply. Terrified, the victim handed over three gold rings, a necklace, a pendant, and two smartphones.
Escape and Community Help
After being abandoned in Marina, the victim screamed for help and was rescued by nearby residents. She later reported the incident to the authorities. Police confirmed the total loss amounted to Rp20 million (approximately SGD 1,600).
Swift Police Action
By the next evening, the Barelang Police’s Jatanras Unit had located and arrested both suspects. Fahri was found at the Leon Inn at 7:20 PM, while Evri was captured just ten minutes earlier in Tanjung Sengkuang. During the arrests, both men tried to flee and ignored multiple warning shots. Officers were forced to shoot their legs to stop them.
Weapons and Loot Recovered
Police recovered the stolen gold jewelry and phones, along with the machete used in the crime. During interrogation, Evri admitted the crime had been planned, revealing that unemployment drove him to rob. Both suspects now face charges under Article 365 of Indonesia’s Penal Code for violent theft, carrying a maximum sentence of 12 years.
Public Warning Against Online Scams
Police have issued a warning, particularly to women and younger individuals, about the growing threat of criminal traps set through online platforms. “Don’t trust strangers you just met online—especially those who offer to pick you up,” urged Kombes Zaenal. Authorities are pushing for increased awareness about the risks of social media-facilitated crimes.
This chilling case highlights the dangerous reality of modern-day crime in Indonesia, where criminals exploit dating apps to orchestrate violent attacks. For communities across the Riau Islands and nearby Singapore, the incident is a stark reminder to stay cautious when meeting online acquaintances in person. Quick police action may have brought justice this time, but public vigilance remains the first line of defense.
Sources: Jawa Pos (2025) , Gudang Berita (2025)
Keywords: Batam Robbery Case, Online Dating Trap, OMI App Crime, Parang Threat Incident, Barelang Police Arrest, Victim Escapes Attack
