Chronology of the "Sultan Malay" Fraud Mode

Legal Literacy - A case is currently a hot topic in cyberspace. Several TikTok celebrities in Indonesia have reportedly fallen victim to fraud by a foreign national (WNA) from Malaysia known as "Sultan Malay". The modus operandi is classic but very detrimental. The perpetrator contacted the victim via WhatsApp and offered a reward of 33 thousand Malaysian ringgit for the creation of "private content". The perpetrator then asked the victim to do asex video call(VCS) on the pretext that the resulting content would look more "natural". Tempted by the nominal amount offered, the victim agreed. However, after the VCS session ended, the promised money was never transferred. Worse yet, the VCS recording was apparently saved by the perpetrator and disseminated illegally. It was recorded that more than three people have become victims with the same modus operandi.

Dilemma in Public Space: Victim or Accomplice?

This case has sparked debate among netizens. Some parties blame the victim with arguments such as, "It's your own fault for wanting to sell yourself," while others argue, "This is still a criminal act of fraud, the perpetrator must be punished." From a moral perspective, the victim's actions are debatable. However, from a legal perspective, the perpetrator is still the guilty party. Consent from the victim does not necessarily eliminate the criminal element committed by the perpetrator.