PASTI Task Force Blocks Two Fraudulent Investment Schemes, OJK West Java Warns of New Tactics
BANDUNG — The PASTI Task Force has halted the activities of two entities suspected of running fraudulent digital-based investment schemes, namely AMG Pantheon and Mbastack Periklanan Kreatif Terbatas (MBA). Both entities were deemed potentially harmful to the public for employing schemes that contravene Indonesian law.
AMG Pantheon Illegal Investment
The PASTI Task Force revealed that AMG Pantheon is suspected of impersonating Pantheon Ventures, a global investment advisory firm officially licensed in several countries. However, the entity operating in Indonesia has been confirmed to have no affiliation with the genuine company.
Based on verification findings, AMG Pantheon conducted its activities through an application offering daily trading with fictitious indicators. Members of the public were directed to open accounts with licensed crypto asset traders, then purchase digital assets such as USDT before ultimately transferring funds to wallets belonging to the platform.
Furthermore, the entity was found to hold no appropriate business licence and was not registered as an Electronic System Operator (PSE) with the relevant ministry.
MBA Illegal Investment
Meanwhile, Mbastack Periklanan Kreatif Terbatas (MBA) is suspected of imitating the identity of MBAStack Limited, a United Kingdom-based company. In practice, MBA operated a member-get-member scheme requiring participants to deposit funds in order to receive bonuses from recruiting new members.
The activities were not supported by any genuine product, relying instead on sham activities such as hotel and tourist destination reviews through an application. Although MBA holds legal standing as a sole proprietorship in Indonesia, its business activities were deemed to deviate from its licensed scope.
In response to these findings, the PASTI Task Force has ceased all operations of both entities and will proceed to block their associated applications and websites. Further action is being coordinated with law enforcement authorities for prosecution.
OJK West Java Advisory
The head of the Financial Services Authority (OJK) West Java, Darwisman, reminded the public to exercise greater caution regarding investment offers promising high returns in a short period, on Tuesday (24 February 2026).
He noted that current fraud patterns have become increasingly sophisticated, exploiting the names of foreign companies with established global reputations to gain public trust.
“This type of scheme exploits public ignorance. They use the prominent names of overseas companies to appear credible, when in fact they hold no legal standing in Indonesia,” said Darwisman.
He stressed the importance of verification before investing, including confirming a company’s legality and understanding the business scheme on offer. The public was also urged to report any indication of illegal financial activity or if they fall victim to fraud. Reports can be submitted through official OJK channels, including complaint services and the illegal investment reporting platform.
Anti-Scam Service
Additionally, victims of financial transaction fraud can utilise the Indonesia Anti-Scam Centre (IASC) service to expedite the process of blocking perpetrators’ accounts.
This decisive action forms part of ongoing efforts to protect the public from increasingly prevalent illegal financial practices, whilst simultaneously strengthening public financial literacy amid rapid digital technological development. With heightened vigilance and active public participation, losses from fraudulent investment schemes are expected to be significantly reduced.