Sukabumi, West Java. Indonesian authorities have detained 16 foreign nationals following a large-scale raid on a suspected illegal cybercrime operation in the Cimaja tourist area of Sukabumi, officials said on Tuesday.

The joint operation, carried out early on April 14, targeted a group believed to be part of an international cybercrime network operating out of accommodations in the coastal district of Cikakak. The raid briefly turned chaotic as several suspects attempted to flee, prompting foot chases across nearby hotels and shops.

Some of the detainees are believed to be Chinese nationals, while others are still being identified, including possible citizens from Taiwan.

Torang Pardosi, head of intelligence and enforcement at the Sukabumi Immigration Office, said the operation began around 12:30 a.m., but may have been compromised after information about the raid was leaked.

“We moved shortly after midnight. Initially, we targeted a hotel, but they had already dispersed. By morning, we managed to detain several individuals at a minimarket and around the hotel area,” he said.

Authorities initially detained five individuals at the lodging site, but the number rose to 16 after an extended search of the surrounding area.

Officers seized a range of equipment believed to be linked to cyber activity, including 15 passports, dozens of computer monitors, desktop PCs, and communication network devices.

“In a hall at the hotel, we found tables set up with multiple monitors and PCs. Some screens displayed foreign-language content, but we have not yet determined the specific activities,” Torang said.

The Sukabumi Immigration Office is coordinating with central authorities to conduct forensic analysis of the seized devices, including data extraction from computers and mobile phones.

“We cannot yet confirm the contents of the devices. The case may be handled at the national level due to the need for specialized digital forensic tools,” he added.

All 16 individuals have been taken to the Sukabumi Immigration Office for further questioning as the investigation continues.