PASTI Task Force Halts Operations of Universal Peak and BAFI Group Indonesia
The Task Force for the Eradication of Illegal Financial Activities (Satgas PASTI) has ceased the operations of Universal Peak, which is suspected of fraud through a stock investment scheme, and BAFI Group Indonesia, which offered services to resolve online loan and credit card problems without authorisation from the competent authorities.
Universal Peak claimed to be part of Universal Peak Investment Inc., a licensed entity in Colorado. It is suspected of committing fraud through an investment scheme requiring a deposit to invest in stocks and Initial Public Offering (IPO) shares to gain profits. Universal Peak allegedly provided fictitious IPO share allocations randomly to its members. Based on clarification and verification, it was found that Universal Peak does not hold a licence from the Financial Services Authority (OJK), conducts business activities inconsistent with the licence issued by the Ministry of Investment and Downstreaming/BKPM, and its application/website is not registered as an Electronic System Operator (PSE) with the Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs.
BAFI Group Indonesia offered consultancy services for online loan problems. One of the schemes offered involved applying for new loans on other platforms using the victim’s personal data. Victims were directed to deliberately default first. BAFI Group Indonesia then promised to manage and settle the debts on all online loans and requested a service fee from a portion of the disbursed loan funds. In its publications, BAFI Group Indonesia claimed to be licensed and registered with the OJK. Based on clarification and verification, it was found that BAFI Group Indonesia does not hold a licence from the OJK or other relevant regulators and conducts business activities inconsistent with the permit issued by the Ministry of Investment and Downstreaming/BKPM.
Following these findings, Satgas PASTI has halted the activities of Universal Peak and BAFI Group Indonesia and blocked access to their related applications and/or links (URLs). Satgas PASTI will also coordinate with law enforcement officials for further legal action. Members of the public who have suffered losses are urged to immediately report to local law enforcement to expedite the handling process.
Satgas PASTI reminds the public to always be vigilant against various investment offers that promise unreasonably high returns, especially those claiming to represent foreign companies. The public is also asked to be wary of online loan settlement services that direct consumers to take out new loans or deliberately default. Furthermore, the public is advised not to easily trust the display of logos or claims of licensing from the OJK or other agencies without verifying them first. If you find indications of similar offers, illegal investments, or illegal online loans, you can report them through the SIPASTI website at sipasti.ojk.go.id, via Kontak OJK 157, WhatsApp at 081157157157, or email at konsumen@ojk.go.id. Meanwhile, victims of financial transaction fraud can report through the Indonesia Anti-Scam Centre (IASC) at iasc.ojk.go.id to support the rapid blocking of perpetrator accounts and increase the chances of recovering funds.