Man in Labuhanbatu Arrested, Suspected of Embezzling Church Congregation's Funds of Rp 28 Billion
The Class I Special Immigration Office at TPI Medan took action against two Indonesian citizens (WNI), AH and CR, who were on the blacklist at the Kualanamu Immigration Checkpoint. Both are embroiled in a case of embezzling church congregation funds from the Catholic Church of Aek Nabara Parish, Labuhanbatu, North Sumatra.
They were detected by the Passenger Analysis Unit (PAU) team while preparing to depart from Kuala Lumpur Airport, Malaysia, to Kualanamu, Medan.
The immigration team then prepared to wait for the two suspects, who were aboard Malaysia Airlines flight MH860, arriving at Kualanamu Airport on 30 March 2026. After examination, they were confirmed to be on the prevention list submitted by law enforcement agencies.
“We ensure that every individual indicated on the prevention list is followed up according to applicable procedures. Quick and precise coordination with law enforcement authorities is key to supporting optimal law enforcement processes in Indonesia,” stated the Head of the Medan Immigration Office, Uray Avian, in his statement, as reported by detikSumut on Monday (30/3/2026).
The two Indonesian citizens were subsequently handed over to the North Sumatra Provincial Police’s Directorate of Special Criminal Investigation. The case was previously reported on 26 February 2026 by the leadership of one of the red-plate banks with report number LP/B/327/II/2026. However, when summoned for examination, the suspect was known to be out of the area and then fled abroad.
The Head of the Special Criminal Investigation Directorate of the North Sumatra Police, Commissioner Rahmat Budi, explained that AH is suspected of embezzling Rp 28 billion in funds from the Catholic Church of Aek Nabara Parish, Labuhanbatu. To the police, the perpetrator admitted to using the money for investments and personal businesses, including a mini zoo.
“Suspect AH returned to Indonesia voluntarily and was immediately secured upon arrival at Kualanamu Airport on Monday,” said Commissioner Rahmat Budi on Monday (30/3/2026).
Rahmat stated that the church funds were used by the perpetrator for personal business interests belonging to suspect AH. “Including for investments in a sports centre, cafe, mini zoo, and other businesses,” he explained.
Police stated that the perpetrator’s modus operandi involved creating a fake investment deposit product in the name of one of the red-plate banks.
“The suspect created a fake investment deposit and claimed it as an official product. In fact, it was not an official product,” he revealed.
In this case, the total reported loss amounts to Rp 28 billion. However, the suspect admitted to using only around Rp 7 billion.
“What the suspect admitted to is only around Rp 7 billion,” he said.