Police Arrest Steven Fugitive In Fraud Case Jessica Iskandar In Thailand

Jessica Iskandar and her husband Vincent Verhaag and the lawyer answered the summons from the Bali Police regarding the case of embezzlement of the car she reported./DOK PHOTO: DAFI-VOI

The National Police have arrested Christopher Steffanus Budianto alias Steven, a fugitive in a car rental mode fraud case with victim Jessica Iskandar. The arrests were made in Thailand.

"Yes, that's right ( Steven's arrest). The person concerned has been arrested in Thailand," said the Director of the International Relations Division of the National Police Inspector General Khirsna Murti when confirmed, Tuesday, November 21.

The arrest of Christopher Steffanus Budianto alias Steven is the result of a collaboration between the National Police and the Thai Police.

From the results of a long cooperation, information was finally obtained on the whereabouts of Christopher Steffanus Budianto alias Steven. Until finally, action was taken in the form of arrests.

"Since information on the whereabouts of the person concerned was obtained in Thailand, we have coordinated intensely with the Thai Police," Krishna said.

The fraudulent act of Christopher Steffanus Budianto alias Steven began when he collaborated with Jessica Iskandar. At that time, Jessica was promised a monthly profit.

However, the promise was just a mode. Jessica was deceived and suffered a loss of Rp9.8 billion.

The fraud was reported to Polda Metro Jaya on June 15, 2022. The report was recorded with the number LP/B/2947/VI/2022/SPKT/Polda Metro Jaya.

Kombes Endra Zulpan, who at that time served as Head of Public Relations of Polda Metro Jaya, said Jessica Iskandar handed over Rp9,853,000,000 to CSB to buy several cars.

However, over time the profits promised by CSB never materialized.

"The victim asked for an explanation from the reported party but always refused for various reasons and there was no good faith," said Zulpan.

Then, Jessica found out that something was wrong with the business, and finally made a report to the Polda Metro Jaya investigators.

"The victim knows that the letters from the car are no longer there. Then there are also cars that have been taken by others," he said.

For his actions, the CSB reported was threatened with Article 378 and/or 372 of the Criminal Code regarding fraud.