40 Couples Fall Victim to Pandamanda WO Scam: Depok Police

TEMPO.CO, Depok - Depok Police Chief Sr. Comr. Azis Andriansyah said that at least 40 couples might have to cancel their wedding party with the service of Depok-based wedding organizer (WO) named Pandamanda following the police report of fraud against the planner.

"The 40 couples have registered and paid the down payment [for their wedding reception]. Some even have paid in full to Pandamanda," Azis said at the police headquarters on Wednesday, February 5.

Azis explained that the total asset of the scammer named Anwar, 32, could not cover all the weddings. “The suspect has spent the money for his personal needs and covering the wedding party of his previous clients,” said Azis, outlining that the personal needs included the office operational cost, purchasing a private residence, and others.

According to Azis, the total loss was estimated to reach Rp2.5 billion yet the figure subject to increase. “Many people are still coming to make a report,” the police chief added.

Previously, a 25-year-old bride Isnaini lodged a police report about the alleged fraudulent wedding packages promoted by Pandamanda wedding planner on Tuesday, February 4.

The Bogor resident said she had paid in full for a wedding reception on Sunday, February 2. “[On my wedding day,] from 2 p.m. until 4 p.m., there is no food catering. I got help from the building management for the decoration,” Isnaini recalled.

Following Isnaini’s report, dozens of other couples using the Pandamanda service flocked the police station. They fell victim to the cheap promotion of a wedding package on Instagram worth Rp50 million in which covering 250 invitation cards, wedding rings, pre-wedding photos, building rental cost, and food catering.

Depok Police named Anwar who is the owner of Pandamanda wedding organizer management suspect of fraud. "He is charged under Article 378 of the Criminal Code and faces a sentence of 4 years in prison," Azis said.

ADE RIDWAN