Thousands fume as Rp 4 billion in savings disappears

The Jakarta Post ,  Jakarta   |  Sun, 09/21/2008 10:05 AM  |  National

Some 4,000 citizens of Cimahi, West Java, have reported suspect securities company CV De Samsan to the local police for allegedly embezzling Rp four billion (US$428,000) in savings.

"The case is still under our investigation. We presume that the company's executives ran away with the money," said Cimahi police chief, Adj. Snr. Comr. Eko Budi Sampurno, as quoted by
Tempointeraktif.com.

An employee of the firm, Amir, 35, said the company had started offering financial services to the public four years ago. Clients make deposits of at least Rp 2,500 per day to 60 collectors, he said.

"This year I have delivered Rp 300 million from 47 depositors," said Amir, who is one of the firm's collectors.

He said the firm was run by a middle-aged woman named Dewi. According to Adrian, another employee of the firm, dozens of depositors went to Dewi's house on Saturday afternoon to ask for their money to be returned.

"She passed out while trying to calm the people. Her relative said she was taken to Dustira hospital, but the police said she is not there anymore," said Adrian.

The company's employees, including collectors, have asked the police to protect them from angry clients. (dre)

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