The married couple behind Marwah Wedding Organizer (WO) have officially been named suspects. East Jakarta Metro Police moved swiftly, detaining the pair after they allegedly defrauded 58 prospective couples, causing temporary losses estimated at Rp2.6 billion. Authorities have immediately charged the couple with multiple counts related to fraud and embezzlement of the victims’ funds.
Officially Named Suspects and Immediately Detained
East Jakarta Metro Police wasted no time in escalating the legal status of the Marwah WO owners. The confirmation regarding their legal standing and detention was directly announced by the East Jakarta Metro Police Chief. “They are already suspects,” stated East Jakarta Police Chief Commissioner Alfian Nurrizal on Sunday (May 31). Following their official designation as suspects, the two perpetrators are no longer enjoying their freedom. Law enforcement officials initiated their detention as of last weekend.
“Under Article 492 concerning fraudulent acts and Article 486 of the Criminal Code concerning embezzlement, the suspects have been detained since last Saturday, May 30, 2026,” Alfian added, detailing the charges.
Police Investigate Alleged Escape Plan
Before their arrest by the East Jakarta Metro Police Criminal Investigation Unit, the whereabouts of the couple were shrouded in mystery. They abruptly ceased communication and unilaterally cut off contact with dozens of engaged couples who had already made full payments. Regarding their disappearance prior to apprehension, police are still investigating whether there was an intentional element of attempting to evade legal responsibility.
“Based on the preliminary investigation, after receiving payments from the victims, the perpetrators failed to fulfill their obligations as per the agreement, and their whereabouts became unknown to the victims, leading to numerous reports and complaints,” Alfian revealed. As of now, investigators are continuing to extract in-depth information from both suspects to ascertain their activities during the period they were uncontactable. Police are also still delving into the motive behind the fraud.
“Regarding whether they planned to escape or not, that is still under investigation by the investigators. Currently, investigators are delving into the motive, the perpetrators’ activities while they were unreachable, and whether there were any attempts to avoid legal proceedings before they were finally secured by the East Jakarta Metro Police Criminal Investigation Unit,” he explained.
Victims Mount, Losses Reach Rp2.6 Billion
The Marwah WO fraud case has drawn significant attention due to its massive scale. The devious acts of this couple have tragically shattered the wedding dreams of dozens of engaged couples. “Based on preliminary data from collected reports, a total of 58 engaged couples are suspected victims. Of this number, 2 couples had their weddings but did not receive the facilities as promised, while 56 other couples were unable to proceed with their planned wedding events,” Alfian stated.
Police are actively auditing the total flow of funds into the perpetrators’ pockets. The reported losses from just a fraction of the victims have already reached staggering figures. “As of now, from 24 recorded victims, the total reported losses amount to approximately Rp 2,658,885,000. This figure is still expected to increase as the data collection and examination process for other victims continue,” he added.
Food Tasting and Instagram Promo as Modus Operandi
The deceptive scheme orchestrated by this sham Wedding Organizer in East Jakarta was notably well-executed. One victim, Feny, 32, recounted how she and her partner, Aldi, 32, fell into the perpetrators’ enticing trap. Initially, the couple was attracted by the aesthetic portfolio and discounted prices offered by the perpetrators through social media platforms.
“Initially, I got the information from Instagram. After seeing the price list and packages, I paid a down payment. My total loss is Rp 85.5 million,” Feny explained. To allay any suspicions from victims, the Marwah WO owners even organized food tasting sessions and wedding dress fittings at their office. However, as the wedding day approached, the perpetrators suddenly vanished, leaving their office completely deserted.
The legal process against this fraudulent couple is now guaranteed to be closely monitored until its completion. Police have also urged other victims who believe they have been defrauded by Marwah WO to promptly report their cases to the East Jakarta Metro Police complaint post.
Summary
The owners of Marwah Wedding Organizer, a married couple, have been officially named suspects and detained by the East Jakarta Metro Police for allegedly defrauding 58 prospective couples. Authorities estimate the temporary losses caused by their actions to be Rp2.6 billion. The couple was charged under Article 492 concerning fraudulent acts and Article 486 of the Criminal Code concerning embezzlement, with their detention initiated on May 30, 2026.
Their modus operandi involved attracting victims through Instagram with appealing portfolios and discounted prices, even organizing food tasting and dress fitting sessions. However, the perpetrators would vanish before the wedding day, leaving dozens of couples unable to proceed with their events. Police are currently investigating whether there was an intentional element of attempting to evade legal responsibility and are continuing to extract in-depth information from both suspects.