Satgas PASTI Shuts Down Appeninc, VID and Sensenowai Over Suspected Fraud Schemes
Jakarta — The Financial Illegal Activities Eradication Task Force (Satgas PASTI) has halted the operations of Appeninc, VID, and Sensenowai, suspected of running fraudulent investment schemes under the guise of foreign-registered companies.
In a statement, Satgas PASTI said Appeninc allegedly impersonated Appen Inc, a Colorado-based US firm, while VID used the name of UK-registered advertising agency Video Media Company Limited. However, both Appen Inc and Video Media Company Limited confirmed they do not engage in investment offerings.
Verification revealed that Appeninc and VID operated activities inconsistent with permits issued by the Ministry of Investment and BKPM (Investment Coordinating Board), and their platforms were not registered as Electronic System Providers (PSE) with the Ministry of Communications and Digital.
Appeninc is suspected of using a task-based app involving image guessing, while VID allegedly employed ad-watching apps and fake project financing offers. Both required members to deposit funds and recruit new members for daily income and bonuses.
Sensenowai, meanwhile, was found to operate cryptocurrency investment scams via copy trading on the Wapex app, also using deposit schemes and member recruitment for daily profits.
Despite being registered as limited liability companies (PT) or sole proprietorships in various Indonesian regions, Sensenowai’s operations violated BKPM permits and PSE registration requirements.
Satgas PASTI has suspended all operations and will block access to related apps and links, coordinating with law enforcement for further action. Victims are urged to report to local authorities, while the public is warned against high-return investment offers with unclear legal status. Reports of illegal investments or online loans can be submitted via the OJK website, hotline 157, WhatsApp 081157157157, or email konsumen@ojk.go.id. Financial scam victims can also report through a dedicated website to expedite blocking of suspects’ accounts.