What began as a seemingly straightforward investment in Bali’s thriving food scene has, according to investor Fabio Cafarelli, unravelled into a dispute marked by unanswered questions and financial irregularities.
In 2020, Fabio Cafarelli was introduced to the 2080 Burger franchise through his then-partner and her brother-in-law, Heru Dwi Soesilo. The pitch was simple: fund the launch of a burger outlet in Bali, with the investment covering rent, operational setup, and franchise fees. Between February and June 2021, Fabio transferred €20,400 to support the venture.
For Fabio, the investment carried special significance. Living with a physical disability, he says he placed considerable trust in those managing the business on his behalf and relied heavily on the information they provided. According to Fabio, the arrangement was built on confidence in people he believed would act transparently and protect the interests of all parties involved.
By September, the restaurant opened under the name PIT FIRE, operating within the 2080 Burger network. The agreement promised a revenue split, with 60 per cent allocated to the franchise and 40 per cent to Fabio and his partner. Yet, despite the outlet serving customers, Fabio says he never received his share of revenues, nor the transparent financial reports he repeatedly requested.
When he eventually gained access to the company’s bank records, Fabio claims he uncovered troubling patterns: transfers from the business account to personal accounts, withdrawals without receipts, and expenses at hotels and restaurants apparently unrelated to operations. Records reviewed by him reportedly showed 178.9 million rupiah in transfers lacking clear justification.
According to Fabio, the findings were particularly alarming because his disability limited his ability to constantly supervise the business from overseas, increasing his reliance on accurate reporting from management. He says that trust was ultimately broken when his requests for clarification and documentation went unanswered.
In June 2022, Fabio travelled to Bali to confront management. He says assurances were given that problematic withdrawals would be reimbursed, but no repayment followed. By August, he was excluded from the business, denied access to financial information, and cut off from revenues.
For Fabio, the financial loss was compounded by a deep sense of personal betrayal. He says he entered the venture believing it would provide a stable future and a meaningful opportunity despite the challenges posed by his physical condition. Instead, he found himself battling for answers, transparency, and accountability.
After exhausting direct communication, Fabio filed a formal complaint with the Polizia Postale in Milan on 13 February 2023. The complaint documented the investment, alleged irregularities, and requested an investigation into whether criminal offences had been committed.
Today, Fabio maintains that the dispute is not only about recovering lost funds but also about pursuing transparency regarding what happened to the investment. He believes his situation highlights the risks faced by overseas investors who must place significant trust in local partners and managers, particularly when personal circumstances make direct oversight more difficult.
For Fabio Cafarelli, what began as a dream of building a future in Bali through a trusted partnership has become, in his words, a battle for transparency and justice.
Editorial Note
Bali News has no intention to discredit any brand or individual. This article is based on information provided by investor Fabio Cafarelli and is published solely to inform readers about the challenges he reports having faced. The allegations described have not been independently verified by Bali News, and the individuals and entities mentioned have the right to respond to the claims presented.
