inp.polri.go.id - Serang. The Banten Regional Police General Criminal Investigation Directorate has arrested two individuals, identified as NN (53) and NZ (31), for alleged fraud and/or embezzlement related to the organization of a special Hajj pilgrimage.
"This case began when the victim, identified as AW, the owner of a company in Serang Regency, was offered a special Hajj package, a Mujamalah type, with VIP facilities at a cost of IDR 320 million per person. The victim requested upgraded facilities, including a hotel, meals, and transportation," explained Banten Regional Police Public Relations Chief, Senior Superintendent Maruli Ahiles Hutapea, Friday (6/26/2026).
Maruli stated that after further discussion, the victim agreed to send 19 pilgrims for the upgraded facilities at a cost of IDR 450 million per person. The victim then transferred IDR 7.65 billion of the total IDR 8.55 billion invoiced by the organizer.
"However, by the scheduled departure date of May 16, 2026, the pilgrims had never departed. Reasons for the delay in visa issuance were continually given, but ultimately, the Hajj visas were never issued, resulting in a loss of approximately IDR 7.65 billion," he said.
Maruli further stated that suspect NZ had twice failed to appear before investigators. The police then received information that he was suspected of attempting to flee abroad.
"On June 24, 2026, NZ was arrested at an apartment in Tangerang City. At the same location, we also arrested suspect NN. Both are currently being held at the Banten Regional Police detention center for further legal proceedings," he said.
For their actions, the two suspects were charged under Article 492 of the Criminal Code and/or Article 486 of the Criminal Code in conjunction with Article 21 paragraph 1 of the Criminal Code (Law No. 1 of 2023) in conjunction with Article 125 in conjunction with Article 118 (Law of the Republic of Indonesia No. 8 of 2019), which carries a maximum penalty of 12 years' imprisonment or a maximum fine of IDR 10 billion.
The Head of Public Relations of the Banten Regional Police also urged the public to be more careful when choosing Hajj travel providers.
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