BENGKALIS, Siberriau – The early morning silence in Sepahat Village, Bandar Laksamana District, was suddenly shattered when the Bengkalis Police Operations Team conducted a surprise raid on Tuesday (February 3, 2026).

The operation, which took place at around 3:00 a.m. Western Indonesian Time (WIB), uncovered suspected human trafficking (TPPO). A house on Jalan Intan Baiduri, suspected of being a shelter, was the primary target of officers in disrupting the illegal labor trafficking chain. This success demonstrates the effectiveness of synergy between the police and the community in the digital age.

Bengkalis Police Chief, AKBP Fahrian Saleh Siregar, revealed that the disclosure began with a complaint from a resident via his personal WhatsApp number and the 110 emergency service. The report was responded to quickly with an in-depth investigation to ensure the safety of potential victims who were threatened with being sent abroad without legal protection.

"In this undercover operation, officers successfully apprehended a total of 12 people from the scene," said Fahrian.

After intensive questioning, four of them were identified as the main suspects: men with the initials Z (44), MR (54), SS (25), and C (27). They are strongly suspected of playing a role in organizing the irregular departure of Indonesian Migrant Workers (PMI) to Malaysia via the sea route in the Bengkalis region.

Ironically, among the rescued victims, officers found a concerning diversity of backgrounds. In addition to the three Indonesian citizens, there was also a foreign national from Myanmar (Rohingya) who was also trapped in this syndicate's maelstrom.

"The four victims were found at different shelters without official documents, a grim portrait of human exploitation targeting vulnerable groups," he explained.

The search of the location was conducted transparently and in accordance with applicable legal procedures. Witnessed by local residents, officers searched every corner of the shelter and successfully confiscated several crucial pieces of evidence.

"Eight mobile phones suspected of being used to coordinate the smuggling, along with one of the victim's passports, have now been secured to complete the investigation file," explained Fahrian.

Fahrian emphasized that the perpetrators now face severe penalties for their actions. They are suspected of violating Article 2 paragraph (1) of Law No. 21 of 2007 concerning the Eradication of Human Trafficking and Law No. 6 of 2011 concerning Immigration.

This firm action was taken to provide a deterrent effect and demonstrate the Bengkalis Police's commitment to eradicating human trafficking mafias that frequently exploit coastal areas.

"Currently, all the alleged perpetrators and victims are at the Bengkalis Police Headquarters for further questioning," said Fahrian.

This case serves as a reminder that behind the sweet promise of work abroad, there are often criminal traps that endanger lives and human dignity.

Fahrian expressed his high appreciation for the citizens who bravely reported the incident. He urged the public not to hesitate to be the eyes and ears of the police in maintaining regional security.

"By continuing to activate the 110 service, it is hoped that the practice of illegal migrant workers and human trafficking within the jurisdiction of the Bengkalis Police can be eradicated for the sake of everyone's safety," concluded the 2005 Police Academy alumnus. (Mediacenter Riau/asn).

Source
https://mediacenter.riau.go.id/read/95192/polres-bengkalis-bongkar-sindikat-perdagangan.html