An Indonesian man is being investigated after allegedly claiming to be the Imam Mahdi and offering followers services such as extending their lifespan and securing “tickets to heaven” in exchange for millions of rupiah.
The suspect, identified only as FF, is accused of exploiting religious beliefs to collect money from followers in Bangkalan Regency, East Java.
One alleged victim, identified as Halimi, claimed he lost more than 1.3 billion rupiah (RM290,565) after making payments to the man in stages over several years.
His lawyer, Jailani Muhtadi, said FF allegedly offered various services, including extending people’s lives, atoning for sins and guaranteeing the safety of family members in the afterlife.
The suspect was also accused of asking followers to pay kafarah, which he allegedly described as a form of payment to atone for wrongdoing and obtain a “ticket to heaven”.
Halimi claimed FF had also boasted that he could determine how long a person would live, while allegedly frightening followers with threats of death if they refused to pay.
In one instance, Halimi said he was asked to hand over seven million rupiah (RM1,565) to supposedly save his late brother from punishment in the grave.
The alleged scam is believed to have taken place between 2019 and 2025, before Halimi lodged a police report at the Bangkalan Police Headquarters on Oct 21.
Bangkalan Police spokesperson Agung Intama confirmed that an investigation was under way to determine whether the case involved criminal fraud or extortion.
Police have also recorded statements from three witnesses who claimed to have fallen victim to the suspect.
Meanwhile, the Bangkalan branch of the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) is examining the alleged teachings promoted by FF and has cautioned the public against being misled by beliefs that contradict Islamic law.
However, police have yet to announce any charges or reach a final conclusion regarding the allegations against FF.
