North Mollo Police NTT Arrest Fraud Perpetrators, Claiming To Be KPK NGOs

Illustration of the perpetrator of the crime (VOI)

North Mollo Sector Police, South Central Timor, NTT, arrested Fransiskus Marang, who claimed to be a member of the NGO of the Corruption Supervisory Commission (KPK) on suspicion of committing fraud against residents in the area.

"We have arrested the perpetrator on Monday (13/3) night for committing fraud related to the construction of the church," said Head of Criminal Investigation Unit of the South Central East Police, Iptu Fernando, October, quoted by ANTARA, Tuesday, March 14.

He said the arrest of Fransiskus Marang, who claimed to be an anti-corruption KPK NGO was after reports from victims who felt cheated by the perpetrators.

In carrying out his fraudulent actions, the suspect met church people to convince the victim that there was a grant at the Ministry of Religion of Rp. 3.5 billion.

It is certain that such a large grant will be used for the construction of the GMIT Efata Punuf Church in South Central Timor Regency. In fact, based on an investigation by the police, the condition of the GMIT Efata Punuf Church building is still very good and feasible.

"However, the suspect reasoned that the second floor of the church building would be built to convince the victim," said the Head of Criminal Investigation Unit.

Fernando added that to disburse the billions of rupiah funds, the suspect asked the victim for Rp33 million in cash to facilitate the disbursement.

The suspect also tried to convince the victim that the Rp33 million money would be used to pay for architects who redesigned the church building and also made RAB and proposals.

The victim finally believed and handed over the money as requested by the suspect. However, after a few days there were no contact and the suspect disappeared.

After missing for several weeks, on Monday (13/3), the suspect suddenly appeared at the North Mollo Police for mediation with the church.

"However, the suspect was not cooperative so he was secured at the TTS Police," said the Head of Criminal Investigation Unit.

Based on provisional information from the suspect, the Rp33 million he got from the church had been used to buy a motorbike and daily necessities.

"The perpetrator was charged with Article 372 of the Criminal Code regarding embezzlement and Article 378 of the Criminal Code regarding fraud," he said.