Authorities have officially launched an investigation into an alleged fraud case involving Marwah Catering Service, a wedding organizer accused of abruptly cancelling a couple’s highly anticipated wedding reception. The owner of the WO, identified only by the initial R, has reportedly vanished after initially promising the affected couple compensation for their significant losses.
According to Bayu Kurniawan, Chief of the East Jakarta Police Criminal Investigation Unit, the victims had engaged with the WO prior to their wedding date. During these crucial preliminary meetings, the perpetrator had assured the couple of restitution. However, these promises proved hollow, as the owner subsequently disappeared without a trace. “I questioned the victims, and they confirmed that before the wedding, they had met with the WO. Promises were made, but then there was no news, and the person disappeared,” Bayu told reporters on Monday, May 25.
Further details reveal that the suspected perpetrator has since severed all communication channels with the aggrieved couple. “The victims stated that the owner is now unreachable; the WO owner, identified by the initial R,” Bayu added, highlighting the complete breakdown in communication that has left the victims desperate for answers.
This fraudulent incident has led to substantial financial repercussions for the couple, who have officially filed a police report. The estimated material loss, as per the police report, stands at a considerable Rp 84 million.
In response to the report, the East Jakarta Police Criminal Investigation Unit swiftly initiated action, commencing with the interrogation of several witnesses to gather comprehensive information. “The victims filed the police report just yesterday afternoon. With the report officially registered, we immediately launched an investigation. We have already interviewed three witnesses: the two married victims and a sibling of the bride,” Bayu elaborated, outlining the initial steps taken.
As part of their initial investigative efforts, police are also scheduled to conduct a direct inspection today at a specific location within the Jakarta Garden City (JGC) area. This site is claimed by the victims to be the office of the implicated wedding organizer. “We plan to check that location today, as they mentioned their office is in JGC. We want to verify what the office at JGC looks like,” Bayu stated.
This planned site inspection is critical, as it stems directly from the victims’ testimony, specifically their claim of having had a wedding dress fitting at the alleged JGC office. “The victim reportedly had a dress fitting at their office in JGC. We intend to verify if an office truly exists there. This is also crucial for gathering information, given that we only received the report yesterday,” he continued, underscoring the early stage of the investigation.
This distressing incident culminated in the couple being forced to cancel their grand reception, opting instead for a simple solemnization ceremony at the Islamic Center Building in Bekasi on Saturday, May 23. On what was supposed to be their happiest day, the bride expressed profound disappointment, as the wedding organizer failed to provide any decorations, catering services, or even documentation, leaving their special occasion severely compromised.
Summary
Authorities have launched an investigation into alleged fraud involving Marwah Catering Service, a wedding organizer whose owner, identified only by the initial R, reportedly vanished. The owner is accused of abruptly cancelling a couple’s wedding reception, failing to provide promised compensation after initially assuring restitution. This incident has led to an estimated material loss of Rp 84 million for the affected couple, who have since filed a police report.
The East Jakarta Police Criminal Investigation Unit has commenced an investigation, interrogating the two victims and a sibling of the bride. Police are scheduled to inspect the alleged office of the wedding organizer in Jakarta Garden City today, based on the victims’ claims of having had a dress fitting there. As a result of the organizer’s failure to provide services like decorations and catering, the distressed couple was forced to cancel their grand reception, proceeding with only a simple solemnization ceremony.