N. Adri, Balikpapan – The Directorate of Special Crime of the East Kalimantan Police have uncovered an alleged online prostitution ring and detained eight women they are accusing of being sex workers in three hotels in Balikpapan and one man identified as DH they say was a pimp.

According to the police, the women's ages range from 19 to 22 years.

Police accuse DH of offering sex services through the Me Chat application and sending customers to the three hotels, where the women were alleged to be waiting.

"The price ranged from Rp 1 million (US$70.11) to Rp 2 million," Special Crime Unit chief Sr. Comr. Budi Suryanto said.

The police seized as evidence eight cellphones, one EDC machine, Rp 500,000 in cash, four ID cards, one ID card substitution letter, 24 means of contraception, one small towel, five packs of wet tissue and two bottles of olive oil.

The case is being processed with Electronic Information and Transaction Law. For the time being, all of the arrested parties are still officially considered to be witnesses for the case."The maximum sentence [upon conviction] is six years' imprisonment," Budi said.

The police say they are still investigating whether there are any more prostitution networks in other hotels.

The police say they are also interrogating the hotel management and staff members to find out if they were involved with the alleged crime. (gis)

Source: https://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2019/08/20/online-prostitution-uncovered-in-balikpapan.html