A so-called spiritual guru in Bekasi who is in the spotlight for a cash multiplier scam is now facing additional charges related to underage marriage, as it has been revealed that his wife is not yet of age.
Related — Police investigate ‘religious teacher’ who claims he can make money appear out of thin air
The suspect, who is known by his initial H or nickname Ustad Gondrong (long-haired Islamic teacher), was initially charged with fraud after he claimed to be able to multiply cash using a magic box, with a video of his performance going viral recently. Police later found that he used fake bills for his trick, which he said he did to solidify his shamanistic cred and to advertise his services.
In a press conference today, Bekasi Metro Police Chief Hendra Gunawan said another charge has been filed against Gondrong.
“Yesterday, the parents of his wife reported him to the police for marrying someone underage,” Hendra said.
Hendra did not disclose the age of Gondrong’s wife, though it must be noted that the minimum age for marriage for girls in Indonesia is 19.
Gondrong has been charged with statutory rape under the Child Protection Law, which is punishable by up to 15 years in prison.
For his magic money box trick, Gondrong has been charged with fraud under the Criminal Code (KUHP), which is punishable by up to four years in prison.
