Inp.polri.go.id - Denpasar. Bali Regional Police have been probing an investment fraud case under the guise of an investment opportunity in a property project, which has caused  IDR 7.5 billion (around USD525,000) in financial losses suffered by American citizen Christopher Stephen Smith and other foreigners. Reinhard R. Silaban, Smith's legal representative, said on Friday (6/10/2023) that the Bali Regional Police have already questioned two  primary suspects, identified as Brett Sorensen and Yansen Barry, in relation to the case, antaranews.com reported. He claimed that Smith and other 62 foreigners have reported the same case to the Bali Regional Police on June 28, 2023. The victims claimed they had transferred approximately USD 500,000 to Barry-owned PT Bumi Kristal Sumbawa, in 2018 following Sorensen's business proposal. The suspects promised a 99-year property lease and the development of 300 housing units in the the property project known as the Golden City. However, the suspects requested more  more money to start the property project. In early 2020, Smith personally investigated the project site in nearby Sumbawa Island and found no progress.  The  project site was under the ownership of an unknown individual. Barry reportedly denied the victims access to the property, further fueling suspicions of fraud. As of now, no statements have been made by both suspects. (ar/inp/pr/nm)