Dozens of Brides Become Victims of WO Marwah Fraud, Losses Reach IDR 2.6 Billion

JAKARTA - The alleged fraud committed by the organizer of weddings or wedding organizers (WO) Marwah in East Jakarta has caused losses of billions of rupiah.

The police recorded at least 58 pairs of prospective brides and grooms affected with the reported losses reaching Rp2.65 billion.

East Jakarta Metro Police Chief Kombes Pol Alfian Nurrizal said that the loss figure was only from 24 victims who had been officially recorded by investigators. The value has the potential to increase as the process of data collection for other victims is still ongoing.

"So far, the total reported losses have reached around Rp. 2,658,885,000 and are still potentially increasing," said Alfian as reported by ANTARA, Sunday, May 31.

Of the 58 brides on record, two couples have carried out marriages but have not received services according to the agreement.

Meanwhile, 56 other couples are threatened with failing to hold the planned event.

This case is of concern because it concerns consumer funds that have been deposited for various wedding service packages.

Police suspect that the owner of WO received payment from customers but did not fulfill the obligations as stated in the cooperation contract.

As the reports increased, the police named the couple, the owners of WO Marwah, RM and ER, as suspects. Both have been detained to undergo further legal proceedings.

Investigators are also tracing the flow of funds that have been paid by the victims to find out how the funds are used and uncover the modus operandi used by the perpetrators.