The husband-and-wife owners of Marwah Wedding Organizer (WO) have officially been named suspects following a swift investigation by the East Jakarta Metro Police. The couple was detained after allegedly defrauding 58 prospective bridal couples, leading to estimated temporary losses that soar to Rp2.6 billion. Authorities have also moved to charge the couple with multiple articles related to both fraud and the embezzlement of victims’ funds, underscoring the severity of their alleged crimes.
Officially Named Suspects and Detained
The East Jakarta Metro Police wasted no time in escalating the legal status of the Marwah WO owners. The confirmation regarding the couple’s new legal standing and their immediate detention was directly announced by the East Jakarta Metro Police Chief.
“They are now suspects,” stated East Jakarta Police Chief, Commissioner Alfian Nurrizal, on Sunday (May 31). Following this official designation, the two individuals are no longer at liberty, as law enforcement officials promptly initiated their detention this past weekend. “Under Article 492 concerning fraudulent acts and Article 486 of the Criminal Code regarding embezzlement, the suspects have been detained since yesterday, Saturday, May 30, 2026,” Alfian added, detailing the charges.
Police Investigate Suspected Escape Attempt by Perpetrators
Before their apprehension by the East Jakarta Metro Police Criminal Investigation Unit, the whereabouts of the couple had been shrouded in mystery. They abruptly ceased communication, unilaterally cutting off contact with dozens of prospective couples who had already fully settled their payments. In light of their disappearance prior to the arrest, police are actively investigating whether there was an intentional effort to evade legal responsibility.
“Based on preliminary investigations, after receiving payments from the victims, the perpetrators failed to fulfill their contractual obligations, and their whereabouts became unknown to the victims, leading to numerous reports and complaints,” Alfian revealed. To date, investigators are extracting detailed information from the two suspects to uncover their activities during their period of evasion. Police are also deeply delving into the motive behind the couple’s fraudulent scheme. “Whether they planned to flee or not is still under investigation. Currently, investigators are delving into their motives, activities during the time they could not be contacted, and any attempts to evade legal proceedings before they were eventually apprehended by the East Jakarta Metro Police Criminal Investigation Unit,” he further explained.
Mounting Victims, Losses Exceed Rp2.6 Billion
The Marwah Wedding Organizer fraud case has garnered significant attention due to its massive scale and devastating impact. Dozens of couples’ wedding dreams were tragically shattered by the cunning actions of this husband-and-wife team. “Based on preliminary data from collected reports, a total of 58 prospective couples are believed to be victims. Of these, two couples proceeded with their weddings but did not receive the promised facilities, while the remaining 56 couples could not hold their planned wedding ceremonies,” Alfian stated, outlining the extent of the damage.
Police are currently conducting a thorough audit of the total flow of funds into the perpetrators’ accounts. This is prompted by the staggering amount of reported losses from just a fraction of the victims. “To date, among the 24 identified victims, the total reported losses amount to approximately Rp 2,658,885,000. This figure is still expected to increase significantly as the data collection and examination of other victims continue,” he added, indicating the potential for even greater financial damage.
Elaborate Modus Operandi: Food Tastings and Instagram Promotions
The fraudulent scheme orchestrated by this fake Wedding Organizer in East Jakarta was remarkably sophisticated and deceptive. One victim, Feny (32), recounted how she and her partner, Aldi (32), fell into the perpetrators’ enticing trap. Initially, the victims were lured by the aesthetically pleasing portfolio and seemingly discounted prices advertised by the culprits on social media. “I first learned about them on Instagram. After seeing their price list and packages, I paid a down payment. My total loss is Rp 85.5 million,” Feny explained.
To dispel any suspicion and gain trust, the Marwah WO owners even arranged convincing food tasting sessions and bridal gown fittings at their office. However, as the highly anticipated wedding day approached, the perpetrators suddenly vanished, leaving their office completely empty and their victims stranded. The legal proceedings against this fraudulent couple are now assured to be closely monitored until their conclusion. Police are also urging other victims who have suffered losses from Marwah WO to promptly report their cases to the East Jakarta Metro Police complaint post.
Summary
The husband-and-wife owners of Marwah Wedding Organizer have been arrested and named suspects by the East Jakarta Metro Police for allegedly defrauding 58 prospective bridal couples. They face charges of fraud and embezzlement after causing estimated temporary losses exceeding Rp2.6 billion. The couple was detained on May 30, 2026, and police are investigating if they attempted to flee prior to their apprehension.
Their fraudulent scheme involved luring victims through appealing social media promotions and discounted packages, often solidifying trust with food tasting sessions and bridal gown fittings. However, the perpetrators vanished closer to the wedding dates, leaving victims with unfulfilled contracts and substantial financial losses. Police are urging other victims to promptly report their cases.