JAKARTA, Indonesia — Indonesian authorities recently apprehended a Filipino fugitive accused of orchestrating a massive scam that defrauded clients in the Philippines of over $67 million. The arrest took place on November 9 on the tourist island of Bali, where Hector Aldwin Pantollana, 35, known in the Philippines as a casino junket operator, was identified as a wanted individual via biometric data by an automatic gate at I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport, according to officials.
Pantollana arrived in Bali on October 10, and shortly thereafter, on October 31, Interpol issued a Red Notice, requesting law enforcement agencies globally assist in detaining him based on the Philippines’ request. Following his arrest, Indonesian officials transported Pantollana to Jakarta for further questioning and confirmed plans to deport him back to the Philippines the following day.
Untung Widyatmoko, the head of Indonesia’s National Central Bureau Interpol, stated that authorities in the Philippines named Pantollana a suspect after he allegedly amassed over 4 billion Philippine pesos (approximately $67.7 million) through fraudulent investment schemes aimed at thousands of victims. He commended the effective collaboration between national immigration and police forces in apprehending international criminals attempting to evade justice in Indonesia.
Widyatmoko remarked that this partnership is part of a broader initiative to ensure that the ASEAN region remains a safe environment free from transnational crime and criminal activities. With its strategic position as an archipelago between Asia and the South Pacific, Indonesia presents opportunities for organized crime on both local and international levels, drawing individuals intent on committing deceitful acts within its culturally diverse society.
In a related context, Indonesian immigration officials apprehended a Chinese suspect last month, who was wanted by Beijing for his involvement in investment fraud schemes that reportedly swindled clients in China of over $14 billion. Additionally, in September, authorities arrested Alice Guo, a former mayor from the Philippines associated with Chinese crime groups, who has since been deported back to her home country.
Moreover, in June, Thailand’s most wanted fugitive, Chaowalit Thongduang, was captured in Bali and subsequently sent back to Thailand on a Thai air force aircraft after months of evading arrest for allegations of murder and drug trafficking. These cases highlight Indonesia’s ongoing efforts to tackle crime and provide a concerted approach across borders in the fight against criminal activity.