Gresik Influencer Acquitted in Rp3 Billion Fraudulent Investment Case

A social media influencer from Gresik, Rista Prisilia Wardhani (RPW), who was accused of fraud through a food and beverage (FnB) business investment scheme, has been acquitted by the Gresik District Court. The judges ruled that while the defendant’s actions were proven, the matter fell within the civil domain rather than constituting a criminal offence.

The acquittal was delivered by a panel of judges chaired by M. Aunur Rofiq. In its considerations, the court stated that RPW’s actions were categorised as a civil matter, namely the use of investor funds that did not conform to the written agreement.

“Her actions were proven, but they are not a criminal offence. Therefore, her dignity and reputation must be restored,” Rofiq said during the hearing on Friday (14/8/2026).

Rofiq also noted that RPW had created an investment scheme with enticing returns to attract victims. However, the funds collected from investors were subsequently used for personal interests and did not align with the agreements made.

“The proceeds from investors were used for personal interests, not in accordance with the written agreement,” Rofiq stated.

He added that another issue lay in the content of the investment agreement letters drawn up between the defendant and the investors. The agreements reportedly only stipulated the profits to be earned without clearly regulating other aspects, meaning they could not serve as a basis to ensnare the defendant in a criminal case.

“The agreement letters only mention profits. Therefore, they cannot be executed or implemented,” he continued.

Based on these considerations, the panel of judges ultimately acquitted RPW of all charges and legal demands. The court also declared that the defendant’s dignity and reputation must be restored.

“The defendant is acquitted of all charges and demands,” Rofiq concluded.

Meanwhile, RPW’s legal counsel, Achmad Qomaruz Zaman, welcomed the ruling. Since the case began in court, his team had maintained that the matter involving his client was a civil dispute.

“We appreciate and respect the ruling that frees our client from all legal demands,” Achmad said.

On the other hand, Public Prosecutor Imamal Muttaqin stated that he would still pursue legal remedies against the acquittal. The prosecutor considered the judges’ verdict inconsistent with the demands previously submitted during the trial.

“We will coordinate with our superiors. However, the clear step is to pursue an appeal to the Supreme Court,” Imamal said.

The acquittal has left a number of victims disappointed. One of them, ZF, a resident of Kebomas, claimed to have suffered losses of around Rp100 million due to the investment.

“It harmed many victims, she was not detained, and then she was acquitted by the judge. It feels utterly futile to seek justice,” ZF said.

As previously reported, the fraudulent investment case involving RPW is estimated to have caused victims’ losses of up to Rp3 billion. RPW allegedly exploited her popularity as a social media influencer to attract investors to the FnB business she ran.

At the time, the head of the criminal investigation unit at Gresik Police, Iptu Komang Andhika Haditya Prabu, revealed that RPW offered several investment packages through a business account on Instagram. The capital offered ranged from Rp5 million to Rp50 million, with varying returns and repayment periods.

“The capital offered ranged from five million to fifty million rupiah. The returns and repayment periods varied depending on the capital invested,” Komang said.