Stunning Betrayal: Man Swindles $470,000 from Over 200 Pilgrims

SINGAPORE – In a jaw-dropping case of betrayal, 58-year-old Suwandi Marchuke, an undischarged bankrupt, is set to face the music after misappropriating nearly half a million dollars from more than 200 customers who were eagerly looking forward to their Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca, known as umrah.

Customers, who signed up for this journey of a lifetime through a package arranged by Suwandi, received no communication regarding travel arrangements and were left in the lurch when, in November 2015, they were told the trip was officially canceled.

A Long-Awaited Sentencing Date Looms

Originally slated for sentencing on September 3, Suwandi’s plea and eventual sentencing has been pushed to October 16.

After enduring a trial, District Judge Shaiffudin Saruwan convicted him in July on several charges, including a serious count of criminal breach of trust and operating a travel agency, Bil Hikmah Consultants, while bankrupt. He also faced multiple counts for helping the company run without the necessary license.

The Ill-Fated Pilgrimage Package: A Deceitful Deal

Court findings revealed that Suwandi, also known as Andy Martiin, established Bil Hikmah in February 2014, shortly after his bankruptcy declaration in August 2013. The company launched its ‘affordable umrah package’ named Pump 2015, touting a trip from December 12 to 22, 2015, at the remarkably low price of $1,998 per person, significantly cheaper than the usual market rates of $3,000 to $3,500.

However, as it turned out, the deal was too good to be true, as by November 2015, not a single flight or hotel had been booked, nor were any visas or vaccinations arranged.

Deceptive Partnerships and a Web of Lies

Suwandi’s brother-in-law and a partner, Abdul Sulaiman Hussain, alongside Ms. Siti Rohani Kusno, were reportedly only involved in name, having lent their names to Suwandi while he single-handedly controlled all aspects of the business. Despite the company lacking any licensure to operate, more than 200 hopeful travelers signed up.

At a fateful meeting on November 7, 2015, precisely when the truth was unveiled, customers learned the trip would not occur. Panic ensued among those who had entrusted their money to Suwandi.

Round-Up from Authorities and Trial Testimonies

Police apprehended Suwandi just two days after the cancellation announcement.

During the trial, testimonies revealed that Suwandi had continually assured Ms. Siti Rohani that he would resolve any issues that arose and manage all operational matters. Despite having no legitimate operational control, both partners confirmed they were merely figureheads.

Spotlighting Suwandi’s financial struggles, prosecutors highlighted his bankruptcy and struggles to secure funds for the trip. He attempted to defend his actions by claiming a potential sponsorship from a supposed individual named “Pengiran,” but failed to provide credible evidence to substantiate this claim.

Awaiting Justice: What’s Next for Suwandi?

As Suwandi awaits sentencing, the case serves as a haunting reminder of the perilousness of misplaced trust in financial dealings. With over $470,000 lost and numerous lives disrupted, the courtroom awaits the final verdict this October.