First Travel Case Suspects Calls for Suspension of Detention

By : Herry Barus And Aldo Bella Putra | Tuesday, August 15 2017 - 14:18 IWST

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INDUSTRY.co.id - Jakarta- Couples who became suspects in alleged fraud and embezzlement of tens of thousands of pilgrims, Andika Surachman and Anniesa Desvitasari, through their lawyers, filed a suspension of detention.

"Right, there is a letter of suspension request," said Director of Criminal Acts General Police Criminal Police Brigadier General Herry Rudolf Nahak in Jakarta, Tuesday (15/08/2017)

Nevertheless, it has not been able to grant the request for suspension of detention.

"No plans have been granted," he said.

According to Herry, investigators still need information from the two suspects in the investigation of the case.

"We still have to check again," he said.

Both suspects are currently detained at the Bareskrim Rutan in Polda Metro Jaya.

The case was revealed thanks to 13 First Travel agents who reported to the police.

PT First Anugerah Karya Wisata or First Travel offers a number of umrah packages through its agents at low prices to prospective pilgrims.

Package 1 or so called umrah promo package is marketed for Rp14, 3 million per pilgrim. Regular package is offered for Rp25 million. While the VIP package at a price of Rp54 million.

"The public interest is quite large and even the perpetrators had recruited agents who were in charge of recruiting pilgrims," he said.

From the results of the investigation, said Herry, the perpetrator has recruited 1000 agents who 500 agents of whom are agents who are actively looking for pilgrims.

In addition it was revealed that at least 70,000 candidate pilgrims who have paid the umroh fee but only 35 thousand pilgrims can be dispatched.

It estimates the losses suffered by pilgrims on this case reached Rp550 billion.

PT First Travel is estimated to have not been able to return the funds of pilgrims who have deposited payments but have not departed Umrah.

"So they are no longer able," said Brig. Gen. Herry.

It is only found funds amounting to Rp1, 3 million from eight accounts of perpetrators.

"The balance is approximately Rp1, 3 million," said Herry.

For his actions, the two suspects charged with Article 55 Juncto Article 378, 372 of the Criminal Code and Law No. 19 of 2016 on Information and Transactions. (Ant)