Congregants Of IDR 4.9 Billion Lost, Used By Travel Bureau Owners Buy Cars And Pay Debts

Illustration of criminals (ANTARA)

KUDUS - Hundreds of residents who were victims of fraud on the Umrah trip raided the Kudus City Police office, asking for clarity regarding their departure to the holy land.

The owner of the Umrah travel agency, Zyuhal Laila Nova, has now been named a suspect after being questioned by the police. It was revealed that the congregation's money was used to buy cars and pay debts.

The Deputy Chief of the Kudus Police, Kompol Satya Adi Nugraha, said that the Kudus Police were still opening complaints for residents who were victims. Until now, there were 189 pilgrims who suffered a total loss of Rp. 4.92 billion.

"The total responsibility that we have collected is IDR 4.92 billion from the 189 pilgrims we have collected," said Deputy Chief of Police Kudus Satya, Thursday, March 7.

The cheap Umrah promo on the anniversary of the travel agency attracted hundreds of victims who paid for cash at the beginning. However, ahead of the departure date, the bureau owner was difficult to contact and allegedly disappeared abroad.

The Deputy Chief of Police of Kudus explained that some of the congregation's money was used to buy cars and pay debts. Police are still conducting further investigations regarding the flow of funds.

"Some of the flow of funds, for example, is for the purchase of the Innova Reborn car and then there is to pay the debt and then there is also to pay the loan interest when he is in business," he explained.

Police are still investigating this case, with a number of evidences such as account books, proof of payment for victims, cellphones, laptops, and other items that have been secured.

Meanwhile, Zyuhal Laila Nova admitted that some of her money was used to buy cars and pay debts. However, he denied committing fraud and admitted that he was deceived by work partners abroad regarding plane ticket trips. His party tried to replace the victim's money by selling their assets.

"The money is on the hotel ticket and indeed there are some that have not been paid for, I have used it. Every year we hold the promo and everything departs only this time I, it's my fate," he said.

This case is handled by the Kudus Police Criminal Investigation Unit. The suspect is threatened with Article 378 of the Criminal Code or Article 372 of the Criminal Code with a threat of 4 years in prison.