TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Batam Customs Main Office has revealed the case of the misuse of International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) registration through a practice known as "jockeying". Evi Octavia, Head of Compliance Guidance and Information Services Section of Batam Customs, confirmed that 42 mobile phone units were seized during the operation.

"This modus is used to avoid payment of import duties and taxes as part of the import duty on goods entering Indonesia which should be imposed on mobile devices," Evi said in a written statement quoted from Antara, Thursday, February 6, 2025.

The operation took place at two different locations. The first bust occurred on Monday, January 27, 2025, at the Arrival Terminal of the International Ferry Harbour Bay, targeting passengers arriving from Singapore and Malaysia. Officials seized 20 iPhones carried by 10 IMEI jockeys.

The following day, Tuesday, January 28, 2025, Batam Customs apprehended two IMEI jockeys and two controllers at the Arrival Terminal of the International Ferry Batam Centre. They also seized 20 iPhones. "These controllers play a role in coordinating the activities (of jockeying IMEI)," Evi explained.

These IMEI jockeys were recruited through social media groups with promises of free trips abroad. Some were even recruited directly while overseas before traveling to Batam. "As compensation, they were promised a certain amount of cash after successfully completing the IMEI registration process," she said. However, Evi did not disclose the specific amount of money offered to the jockeys.

Upon arrival in Batam, the jockeys received phones from the controllers and registered the IMEIs using their personal data, making the devices appear as personal belongings brought from abroad. "In fact, these phones are actually commodity items deliberately entrusted by the seller through the controllers to avoid customs regulations," Evi stated.

After registration, the phones were returned to the controllers for distribution to the sellers. Batam Customs issued a Proof of Enforcement Letter and designated all seized phones as State Controlled Items (BCN). They also recommended that the Ministry of Communication and Digital (Komdigi) block the devices registered by the jockeys.

Evi emphasized that this operation demonstrates Batam Customs' commitment to enforcing regulations and preventing customs violations and personal data misuse. "Customs will continue to improve supervision and take firm steps to ensure legal compliance and protect national interests," she concluded.

Editor’s Choice: Batam Businesses Worried Investors Will Flee to Johor SEZ as Gas, Electricity Prices Surge

Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News