JAKARTA - The Criminal Investigation Unit (Satreskrim) of the Serang Police arrested a man with the initials MU (44), a resident of Pamarayan District, Serang Regency, for alleged fraud and embezzlement of funds for prospective umrah pilgrims.
The Serang Police Chief, AKBP Andri Kurniawan, in Serang, Friday, confirmed that the suspect who worked as a religious guide (muthowif) was secured by the Criminal General Unit personnel at his residence on Tuesday, February 10.
"The suspect was reported by a number of victims for failing to take them to the Holy Land of Mecca, although the travel expenses had been paid," said Andri, quoted by Antara, Saturday, February 14.
The case began in October 2025, when the suspect offered a 12-day independent umrah program with a departure schedule on February 8, 2026. Attracted by the offer, the victim's couple deposited a total of Rp61 million.
In addition, another victim with the initials S also handed over money of around Rp. 31 million to join the same group. However, until the promised date, the departure was never realized with the excuse of administrative constraints.
Based on the results of the examination, the Police Chief revealed that the money deposited by the victims was not used to take care of tickets or accommodation, but was used by the suspect for personal purposes.
"After being traced, the money of the victims was used by the suspect to pay his personal debts," he said.
Ironically, the victims had participated in the manasik seven times and received umrah supplies such as suitcases, ihram cloth, and batik. These items are now confiscated by the police as evidence, along with passports and payment receipts.
Currently, the police are still investigating the alleged existence of six other victims who were also deceived. For his actions, the suspect was detained at the Serang Police and charged with Article 486 of the Criminal Code and/or Article 492 of the Criminal Code regarding the crime of fraud and embezzlement.
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