BNI Assures Customer Funds Are Safe in Aek Nabara Fictitious Investment Case

PT Bank Negara Indonesia (BNI) has assured that all customer funds in official products remain safe and are not impacted by the alleged embezzlement case in Aek Nabara, North Sumatra. This assurance comes amid customer concerns following the revelation of a fictitious investment scheme masquerading as a bank product. BNI’s Director of Network & Retail Funding, Rian Eriana Kaslan, emphasised that all official company transactions are conducted through documented and verifiable systems. “We assure that all customer funds in official products remain safe and are not affected at all by this incident,” he stated during an online media briefing on Sunday (19/4/2026). He also cautioned the public against being easily lured by investment offers outside official channels, particularly those promising unreasonable returns. “Avoid offers with promises of high, unreasonable interest rates and transactions outside BNI’s official mechanisms,” he said. The case originated from an investment offer named “BNI Deposito Investment” with interest rates up to 8% per year, whereas typical bank deposit rates range from 3% to 4%. Law enforcement authorities have named one suspect, the former Head of Cash at BNI’s Aek Nabara Unit. In the practice, the suspect is alleged to have falsified documents and diverted customer funds to personal accounts. Previously, the Director of Special Criminal Investigation at North Sumatra Police, Commissioner Pol. Rahmat Budi Handoko, stated that the suspect was named after investigators found sufficient evidence. “We have named one suspect, initialled AH,” he said. The value of the funds allegedly embezzled in this case amounts to around Rp 28 billion. Meanwhile, the process of refunding funds to customers is still ongoing. BNI’s Director of Human Capital & Compliance, Munadi Herlambang, said the company has conducted initial verification and coordinated with law enforcement authorities. “We have conducted initial verification and coordination with law enforcement, and we have refunded Rp 7 billion in the initial stage,” he stated. BNI targets to complete the remaining fund refunds in the near future, with mechanisms outlined in a legal agreement to provide certainty for all parties. This case serves as a reminder that the use of a bank’s name in investment offers does not necessarily guarantee the product’s legitimacy. Amid the proliferation of various financial instruments, caution and verification are key to preventing the public from falling victim to similar practices.