Bareskrim Designates Two Suspects in Illegal Gold Mining Case
Bareskrim has designated two suspects in the illegal gold mining case. The two suspects are initialled DHB, who served as director of PT Simba Jaya Utama (SJU) from 13 August 2021 to 14 September 2022, and VC, who has been director of PT Simba Jaya Utama from 14 September 2022 to the present.
“The designation of suspects named DHB and VC in the criminal case of jointly receiving, utilising, processing and/or refining, developing and/or utilising, transporting, and selling gold originating from unlicensed mining, as well as the criminal offence of money laundering,” stated Director of Special Economic Crimes at Bareskrim Polri, Brigadier General Ade Safri Simanjuntak, in his remarks on Tuesday (12/5/2026).
In addition to VC and DHB, the police had actually investigated and found sufficient evidence to designate DHB’s father, SB, as a suspect. However, SB has passed away and thus cannot be prosecuted on legal grounds.
The designation of VC and DHB as suspects is based on evidence obtained by investigators, including witness statements, expert testimonies, documents, physical evidence, and electronic evidence. The two suspects have also been barred from leaving the country.
“For the purposes of the investigation process, investigators have also taken legal measures to prevent the two suspects from leaving the country,” he continued.
Ade stated that the state will not tolerate even the smallest space for illegal mining practices that could cause losses to the environment or the nation’s wealth. The investigation into money laundering offences conducted by the Directorate of Special Economic Crimes at Bareskrim Polri is one approach to law enforcement, where business actors who receive, utilise, process or refine, and sell any minerals originating from illegal mining will definitely face firm action.
“Investigators have also collaborated with PPATK in tracing financial transactions and other related agencies in uncovering this case. The handling of this case is expected to serve as a deterrent effect for perpetrators of illegal mining crimes, as one effort to protect environmental sustainability, prevent state financial leakages, and maintain the sustainability of natural resources for future generations,” Ade added.
The two suspects are charged under Article 161 of Law No. 3 of 2020 on Mineral and Coal Mining jo Article 20 letter c and/or Article 21 paragraph (1) and Article 607 paragraph (1) letter a and/or letter b and/or letter c of Law No. 1 of 2023 on the Criminal Code jo Article 6 and/or Article 10 of Law No. 8 of 2010 on the Prevention and Eradication of Money Laundering Crimes.