REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, DEPOK -- Depok District Court, West Java held the inaugural session of an alleged fraud case involving First Travel Agency on Monday (Feb 19). Hundreds of prospective pilgrims who became victims in the case were also attended the trial.

The three defendants in the case, First Travel president director Andika Surachman, director Anniesa Hasibuan, and finance director Siti Nuraidah Hasibuan attended the inaugural session. They were accused of scamming umrah (minor hajj) pilgrims out of Rp 848 billion.

After inaugural session, First Travel's victims shouted at the three defendants. Hundreds of victims called Andika, Aniessa and Siti "thieves, fraudsters".

"Return our money!" shouted the prospective umrah pilgrims.

First Travel top officials (right to left), Andika Surachman, Anniesa Hasibuan, and Siti Nuraidah Hasibuan as the defendants attend inaugural session of alleged fraud and embezzlement case by their agency, in Depok District Court, West Java , Monday (Feb 19).

After the inaugural session, the prospective umrah pilgrims continued voicing their outrage. Not satisfied with it, they also tried to chase the three defendants into the prisioners car, but the action was dispelled by police.

The three defendants bowed. They remained silent when a number of media crews tried to question the indictment.

The prosecutor has charged Andika, Anniesa, and Siti with Article 378 and 372 of Criminal Code (KUHP) on fraud and embezzlement, also Article 3 of Money Laundering crime.

First Travel President Andika Surachman, First Travel Director Anniesa Hasibuan, and First Travel Director of Finance Siti Nuraidah Hasibuan as the defendants sit in the prisoner car after undergoing inaugural session of alleged fraud and embezzlement case by their agency, in Depok District Court, West Java, on Monday (19/2).

One of the alleged victims, Rosdiana said the court must prosecute the three defendants with justice. She said many prospective pilgrims who became victims in the case feel really disappointed and horrible.

"See our condition because of this case, it is very bad," said Rosdiana.

There are 58,862 First Travel customers who have reportedly fallen victims to the fraud case. Previously, Jakarta Commercial Court has ordered the travel agency to pay back its customers.

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