Legislator Urges Maximum Asset Tracing in Hanania Travel Fraud Case
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Member of Commission III of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI), Bimantoro Wiyono, is urging maximum asset tracing in the case of alleged Umrah travel fraud by Hanania Travel.
Bimantoro, in a statement received in Jakarta on Friday, said that asset tracing is essential to guarantee the reimbursement of funds to the aggrieved victims.
“I am pushing for asset tracing to be carried out to the fullest extent, including the possibility of funds being transferred to other accounts, affiliated companies, family members, or digital assets. We must ensure that assets that should be used to compensate victims’ losses do not disappear due to lack of detection,” he said.
The legislator specialising in law enforcement requested that the Police, the Indonesian Financial Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (PPATK), and other relevant agencies work more intensively together to trace the flow of funds.
“In addition to providing justice for the victims, this step will also serve as a deterrent to parties intending to commit similar crimes in the future,” he added.
He noted there are several indications pointing towards the alleged use of a Ponzi scheme in the management of pilgrims’ funds by Hanania. It is suspected that funds from new participants were used to cover the obligations of older participants.
“Thus, a ‘digging a hole to fill a hole’ pattern occurs,” he said.
“We must have clear data regarding the total losses experienced by the victims so that the process of restoring victims’ rights can be carried out maximally,” he stated.
According to him, the minimal amount of funds successfully returned to victims must be one of the indicators investigated by detectives. In this regard, Bimantoro highlighted the travel agency’s admission that the company’s operational funds have been exhausted.
“This raises a major question. In any company, there is certainly initial capital, operational funds, profits kept as reserves, and ongoing revenue. If all of this is empty, it is suspicious and needs further investigation,” he said.
In addition, he also highlighted the use of influencers, artists, and public figures in promoting the travel agency. Investigators have been asked to ensure whether any parties were aware of or involved in the alleged fraudulent practices.
Director of Special Crimes of the Metro Jaya Regional Police, Kombes Pol. Iman Imanudin, ensured that the investigation will not only stop at the company or the suspects but will also extend to parties affiliated with the suspects.
“Initial estimates of the suspected losses, based on our investigation results, are currently around Rp95.22 billion,” said Iman during an audience with Commission III of the DPR RI at the parliamentary complex, Jakarta, on Thursday (18/6).