Marwah WO Couple Accused of Scamming Brides and Grooms

East Jakarta Metropolitan Police’s Criminal Investigation Unit (Satreskrim) has uncovered the modus operandi used by a married couple running Marwah Wedding Organiser (WO) to defraud multiple prospective brides and grooms through promotional wedding packages.

East Jakarta Metropolitan Police’s Criminal Investigation Unit Chief AKP Bayu Kurniawan stated that victims first learned of the WO’s services through Instagram advertisements. ‘Initially, victims came across the wedding service advertisements on Instagram. They then became interested and proceeded to communicate directly with the administrators via WhatsApp,’ he said at the East Jakarta Police headquarters on Monday.

According to Bayu, during WhatsApp communication, the suspects offered various promotional wedding packages at prices deemed attractive to potential customers. ‘During WhatsApp communication, the suspects offered promotions on wedding packages to victims,’ he added.

Police are continuing to investigate the case, including possible victims outside East Jakarta. Investigators have received information that several victims are from Bekasi.

Regarding reports from victims in Bekasi, Bayu said his unit would coordinate with local law enforcement authorities there. ‘If there are victims reporting in Bekasi, investigators there will coordinate with us regarding the handling here. If the Bekasi investigators wish to question the suspects we have detained, we will allow it,’ Bayu explained.

The alleged wedding organiser fraud case adds to a long list of such scams that have been rampant recently. Therefore, Bayu warned the public to be more selective and cautious before deciding to use wedding service providers.