Fake Coldplay Ticket Sales, Couple and Mother Arrested in Malang

Kapanlagi.com - PAS and GY, a couple in Malang City, were arrested for the crime of fraudulently selling fake Coldplay concert tickets. NW, the mother of PAS, was also arrested for her involvement in helping her son and future daughter-in-law.

Blimbing Police Chief, Polresta Malang Kota, Kompol Danang Yudanto said PAS used Twitter social media to deceive his victims. The suspect offered Coldplay concert tickets through his Twitter account, @membirv.

"This perpetrator buys Twitter accounts that already have many followers. The purpose is to advertise or offer that they have concert tickets from foreign artists," said Kompol Danang Yudanto at the Mapolresta Malang Kota on Monday (29/5).

1. Starting from DMs, Continuing to WhatsApp

© KapanLagi.com/Darmadi Sasongko

Through promotion on that account, many potential audience members who were looking for tickets finally contacted the seller through direct messages (DMs). The perpetrator then tried to convince potential buyers about the availability of the tickets.

"Many are looking for them, especially tickets that are known to have many fans and tend to sell out. As we know, even for Coldplay tickets, there was a war yesterday and it was crowded on social media," he added.

Victims who contacted through DMs were asked to contact a WhatsApp number. Through WhatsApp messages, potential victims were asked to transfer money according to the agreed value.

"When they feel interested and serious about paying the amount offered by the suspect, they are then asked to transfer the money," he explained.

2. Blocked After Transferring Millions of Rupiah

© KapanLagi.com/Darmadi Sasongko

The next victim transferred to a bank account. But the perpetrator then cut off contact with the ticket buyer. Even the victim's number was blocked so that they could no longer contact him.

"Usually the buyer's or victim's number is blocked by the suspect to eliminate their tracks," he explained.

In the initial investigation, as many as 19 people became victims. The victims transferred according to the ticket prices ranging from IDR 2.5 million to IDR 9 million.

Meanwhile, some of the proceeds of the crime were sent to two receivers, GY and NW. Both are the girlfriend and biological mother of PAS.

The perpetrator PAS is charged with Article 45A paragraph 1 of Law No. 19 of 2016 and Article 28 paragraph 1 of Law No. 11 of 2008 concerning Information and Electronic Transactions. The maximum penalty is 6 years imprisonment with a maximum fine of IDR 1 billion. Meanwhile, GY and NW are charged with Article 480 of the Criminal Code regarding the Crime of Receiving Stolen Goods.

(kpl/dar/ums)