Title: 14 Indonesian Domestic Workers Arrested in Hong Kong for Money Laundering

Indonesian Citizens Arrested for Money Laundering in Hong Kong

• 14 Indonesian domestic workers among 20 individuals arrested by Hong Kong police on May 27, 2023, for money laundering.
• The Indonesian Consulate General in Hong Kong was notified of the incident on May 28.

Collaboration with a Local Syndicate

• The suspects, including the Indonesian domestic workers, opened a bank account to store over HK$10 million (approximately Rp20.7 billion) in ill-gotten gains.
• A local syndicate reportedly lured the domestic workers to create stooge accounts, offering monetary rewards for their collaboration.

Arrest and Charges

• Six Hong Kong men and the 14 Indonesian domestic workers, aged between 29 to 63, were arrested for their involvement in the money laundering operation.
• Penalties for money laundering in Hong Kong include a fine equivalent to HK$5 million (Rp10.3 billion) and a prison term of up to 14 years.

Request for Consular Access and Caution against Money Laundering

• The Indonesian government requested consular access to assist the suspects in the investigation.
• Judha Nugraha, the Director of Indonesian Citizens Protection at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, urged all Indonesian citizens, particularly those working abroad, to exercise caution against various forms of money laundering.

Enhancing Cooperation for Halal Product Guarantees

• Uruguay and Indonesia discussed enhancing cooperation for strengthening halal product guarantees.

Indonesian Foreign Minister’s Statement

• Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi expressed confidence that the newly-elected government would maintain their support for Palestine.

Weather Warning

• The meteorological agency BMKG warned of extreme weather conditions in certain parts of Indonesia as regions entered the dry season.