Umrah Scam in Batam: Tanjungpinang Man Arrested at Hang Nadim Airport
A 33-year-old man from Tanjungpinang, identified by the initials YP, was arrested by officers from the Batuaji Police Sector in Batam on suspicion of fraud and embezzlement of Umrah travel fees. The suspect was apprehended on Sunday afternoon, 28 June 2026, at Hang Nadim Airport in Batam after being reported by his victim.
Batuaji Police Chief, Ajun Komisaris Bayu Rizki Subagyo, through the Criminal Investigation Unit Head, Iptu Muhammad Rizky Fitrianor, confirmed the arrest. The victim in this case is a housewife with the initials AW, also 33.
“YP was detained on suspicion of embezzling Umrah departure fees,” said Muhammad Rizky Fitrianor on Sunday (5/7).
The case began on Monday, 2 February 2026, when the suspect contacted the victim and offered an Umrah package for a departure period in June 2026. To convince the victim, YP offered a package price that was significantly cheaper than the normal cost.
The Umrah package, which should have cost Rp50 million for two people, was offered to the victim for only Rp35 million. The suspect claimed the remaining shortfall would be covered using his own commission. Enticed by the offer, the victim sent a down payment in two instalments totalling Rp10 million.
The victim’s suspicions arose on Sunday, 1 March 2026. After attending a seminar, AW took the initiative to confirm directly with the owner of Travel Sadar Grup regarding the payment she had made through YP.
From the confirmation, the travel agency stated that all official payments were only made through an account in the name of PT Sahabat Dua Arah at Bank BSI. The agency also stressed that payments to a partner’s personal account were strictly prohibited.
Feeling that she had been a victim of fraud, AW subsequently filed an official report with the Batuaji Police. Following up on the report, police conducted an investigation until they finally tracked down the suspect’s whereabouts and detained him at Hang Nadim Airport in Batam.
For his actions, suspect YP is now charged with fraudulent acts and/or embezzlement as stipulated in Article 492 and/or Article 486 of Law Number 1 of 2023 concerning the Criminal Code.