Ruben Onsu’s Team Responds to Empty Check Fraud Allegations

Legal Defense and Claims of Unintentional Actions

Addressing questions regarding why three separate checks were handed over, Machi Achmad maintained that the situation originated from the early stages of the investment partnership. According to Kompas.com, the defense lawyer explained that his client lacked the funds required to fulfill the agreement from the outset. At the beginning, how is it if I ask, ‘yeah, we just want to borrow’ then, ‘yeah, because there’s no money’ like that,” Machi stated, as reported by Kompas.com.

Machi further asserted that Ruben Onsu failed to grasp the legal ramifications of the contracts he signed. “If I see regarding Ruben because he doesn’t know. Doesn’t know the impact,” Machi said, noting that many rights and obligations within the agreement remained misunderstood by the entertainer. The defense attorney also mentioned that the contract documents are no longer in his client’s possession, citing a lack of familiarity with proper document retention.

Complainant Version and Financial Discrepancies

Offering a different perspective, the complainant’s legal representative, Ahmad Ramzy, detailed the case during a press conference on Thursday, Aug. 27, 2026, at his office in South Jakarta, as reported by Grid.id. Ramzy stated that Ruben Onsu offered victims the opportunity to invest in a healthy food business promising a 10 percent return. The complainant subsequently transferred Rp3,5 miliar in stages across Feb. 6 and Feb. 7, though the promised profits never materialized.

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Grid.id reported that an independent check by the complainant’s team revealed the promised healthy food business had no physical existence. Furthermore, Ramzy noted that the three checks handed over by Ruben Onsu—valued at Rp350 juta, Rp350 juta, and Rp3,85 miliar respectively—totaled approximately Rp4,5 miliar and bounced due to insufficient funds. Despite the total face value of the checks, the criminal police report relies strictly on the Rp3,5 miliar actual investment loss.

Future Prevention and Recommendations from Counsel

Following the police examination, Machi Achmad stated that he advised Ruben Onsu to exercise greater caution in future business dealings. According to Kompas.com, the lawyer recommended consulting individuals versed in contract law before executing major agreements. “Next going forward, I told Mas Ruben, if there is something involving a big business agreement, just submit it to someone who understands the law, it doesn’t have to be me either,” Machi remarked.

The defense team has expressed hope that the ongoing legal process might open pathways toward mediation. Meanwhile, the investigation continues at the South Jakarta Police station as authorities examine the documented transactions and the disputed agreements.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the total alleged financial loss in the Ruben Onsu investment case?

According to Kompas.com, the reported financial loss totals Rp 3,5 miliar related to a healthy food business investment.

What was the total value of the checks handed to the complainant?

Grid.id reported that the complainant’s counsel stated three checks totaling approximately Rp 4,5 miliar were handed over and could not be cashed due to insufficient funds.

Has Ruben Onsu responded to the allegations?

Legal counsel Machi Achmad stated that the issuance of blank checks and contract oversights occurred strictly due to a lack of understanding and unfamiliarity with the agreement’s terms, rather than intentional wrongdoing.

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