- An Indonesian groom discovered that his bride, was in actual fact, a cross-dressing man named ESH, who wore the hijab and niqab to conceal his identity.
- ESH was arrested after confessing his intent to marry the man in order to steal his family assets.
An Indonesian groom uncovered that his bride, whom he had been courting for a year, was actually a cross-dressing man who concealed his true identity by consistently wearing traditional Muslim attire. The 26-year-old man, identified only as AK, met his spouse Adinda Kanza, also 26, on Instagram in 2023. After connecting online, they got to know each other in person for a year.
During their in-person meetings, Adinda—who local media reported was also known as Erik—wore a niqab. AK, a resident of Wangunjaya Village in Cianjur, interpreted this as a sign of “her” deep devotion to Islam.
However, AK became suspicious of his new wife shortly after their marriage on April 12. Twelve days after their “wedding,” AK visited the former address of his so-called wife and was astonished to find “her” parents alive and well, contrary to what he had been told about their demise.
Adinda’s parents disclosed that AK’s spouse was indeed a man, identified as ESH, who began cross-dressing in 2020. They further asserted their ignorance regarding their son’s involvement in a relationship, let alone “marriage.” The authorities noted that Adinda exhibited feminine behaviour and possessed a voice with female characteristics, stating, ‘If you look at their wedding photos, Adinda looks exactly like a real woman.
‘He also has a gentle voice and tone, so there was no suspicion at all about him.”
ESH has been apprehended by law enforcement and reportedly confessed his intention to marry AK with the aim of absconding with his family’s assets, as per local media accounts.
He faces charges of fraud, which could result in a maximum prison sentence of four years.
Authorities hinted that ESH took pleasure in assuming a female persona while engaging in relationships with men. It was further disclosed that the purported fraudster had previously been romantically involved with women.
The investigation remains ongoing.
