Fake Travel Agent in Labuan Bajo Defrauds Foreign-Owned Tour Company of Rp244 Million
Police in West Manggarai, East Nusa Tenggara, have named a 33-year-old suspect (initials SO) as a fraud suspect for allegedly defrauding a Canadian-owned Bali-based tour agency of Rp244.2 million intended for a Komodo National Park tour package for 22 Chinese tourists. The boat SO claimed to have booked was never actually reserved, leaving the tour group stranded upon arrival in Labuan Bajo.
Police in West Manggarai Regency, East Nusa Tenggara, announced on August 13 that they had arrested and detained a 33-year-old suspect (initials SO, from Bekasi, West Java) who ran an unlicensed travel agency called "Danke Adventure" in Labuan Bajo, on fraud charges.
According to investigators, the victim was LN (46), a Canadian businessman who owns Bali-based tour company LeBali International Tour. In mid-July 2026, LN was searching for a pinisi boat to serve a group of 22 Chinese tourists scheduled to sail to Komodo National Park on August 8-10. He posted his request in a public WhatsApp group called "Labuan Bajo Agen To Agen."
SO responded, claiming the pinisi boat "KM Seven Angel" was available, and issued an official-looking invoice including 11% VAT to appear credible. Convinced, LN transferred a total of Rp244.2 million in three installments between July 30 and August 4 — but the boat had never actually been booked.
After LN paid in full, he sought clarification about reports of a temporary suspension of sailings in Labuan Bajo waters. SO falsely assured him the trip would proceed safely. The very next day, however, SO admitted via WhatsApp that all the funds had been spent. On August 8, the group of 22 Chinese tourists arrived in Labuan Bajo with no boat or travel arrangements in place, leaving them stranded.
Police said evidence, including transfer records and the suspect's confession, is comprehensive. SO has been charged under Article 492 of Indonesia's new Criminal Code (Law No. 1 of 2023) for fraud, which carries a maximum penalty of four years in prison or a Category V fine. The case file is being finalized for transfer to prosecutors.
Things to Consider
When booking tours or boat charters to destinations like Komodo National Park, avoid arranging deals solely through personal contacts in public WhatsApp groups. Verify the operator's official business registration (NIB) and physical office before paying. Avoid full upfront payment; where possible, use installment payments upon arrival, a third-party escrow service, or travel insurance-backed bookings. Independently confirm boat reservations directly with the vessel operator, and check port authorities or official tourism board channels for the latest sailing restrictions. If defrauded, preserve all transfer records and invoices as evidence and report immediately to the nearest police station (Polres).
Source: detikcom