BADUNG, Bali — Bali immigration authorities have detained 17 foreign nationals from Malaysia and Singapore over a suspected online lending operation allegedly run from a villa in Dalung, North Kuta.

The group, consisting of 15 Malaysians and two Singaporeans, was found during an immigration enforcement operation on October 22. Details of the case were made public at a press conference on Monday.

Ngurah Rai Immigration Office head Muhamad Novyandri said the villa was allegedly being used as a temporary base for administering online personal loans aimed at foreign customers outside Indonesia.

Preliminary questioning indicated that three members of the group acted as managers while the remaining 14 worked as administrators. Authorities said the operation advertised loan services on Facebook before directing prospective customers to communicate through WhatsApp.

Applicants were allegedly asked to provide employment information, salary slips, emergency contacts and other personal details. Immigration officials said interest rates ranged from 20 to 30 percent depending on the customer profile.

Officials have so far found no indication that Indonesian citizens were among the customers. The total value of loans issued and any financial losses linked to the operation have not been disclosed.

During the raid, officers seized computers, monitors, mobile phones, USB drives, passports, documents and cash believed to be connected to the activities. Three people allegedly attempted to escape by climbing over the rear wall of the villa but were stopped by officers.

All 17 foreign nationals are currently being held in temporary immigration detention while further examinations continue.

Immigration authorities suspect the group misused their stay permits and provided inaccurate information when applying for visas or residence permits. The case is being handled under Indonesia’s immigration law.

Authorities have not described the operation as fraud, and no criminal conviction has been announced.