Indonesian Man Sentenced for Using Compromised KrisFlyer Accounts

A 28-year-old employee from Indonesia’s cryptocurrency sector has been sentenced to three months and four weeks in prison for purchasing compromised KrisFlyer accounts and misusing the miles for personal gain. Rizaldy Primanta Putra, who worked in customer support at the company Edgevana, was also ordered to pay S$1,667.76 (approximately US$1,230) in compensation, reflecting the total value of the miles he had accessed unlawfully.

The Singapore State Courts heard that Rizaldy pleaded guilty to two charges of unauthorized modification of computer content under the Computer Misuse Act. His activities came to light following an investigation by Singapore Airlines, which reported unauthorized transactions to the authorities in October 2024. Rizaldy was apprehended upon his return to Singapore earlier this year.

Details of the Offense

Between May and November 2023, Rizaldy purchased access to at least eight KrisFlyer accounts from four sellers he contacted through a Facebook group. The prices he paid for these accounts ranged from S$16 to S$200, depending on the miles available in each account. He was aware that the terms of use prohibited the sale of such accounts, making his actions a clear violation of the rules.

KrisFlyer is the loyalty rewards program associated with Singapore Airlines. Members earn miles through flights and other partnerships, which cannot be sold or transferred. On June 7, 2024, Rizaldy traveled to Singapore and used one of the compromised accounts to log into the KrisPay wallet. He made several transactions, including purchasing pastries totaling S$28.25 and a Samsung phone worth S$1,636.61 at Changi Airport Terminal 3.

Rizaldy exploited these compromised accounts to acquire various items, including electronics and clothing. His activities were detected by Singapore Airlines staff, prompting the investigation that led to his arrest.

Legal Proceedings and Sentencing

During the sentencing, the prosecutor argued for a four-month prison term, highlighting the escalation of Rizaldy’s offenses as a concern. The defense lawyer, Leong Zhen Yang, stated that Rizaldy was remorseful and accepted responsibility for his actions, although he noted that the value of the miles was difficult to quantify due to their nature as incentives with expiration dates.

The court took into account Rizaldy’s admission of guilt and the fact that he had been in custody since May. The sentence aims to serve as a deterrent against similar offenses, reinforcing the importance of adhering to the terms and conditions set by loyalty programs.

Rizaldy’s case underscores the risks associated with compromised accounts and the legal repercussions that can arise from such fraudulent activities.