Bareskrim Establishes 7 Suspects in Tin Sand Smuggling to Malaysia

JAKARTA — The Directorate for Specific Crimes at the Indonesian National Police (Bareskrim Polri) has established seven suspects in a case involving the smuggling of tin sand from the Bangka Belitung Islands to Malaysia.

The arrests of the seven suspects were carried out jointly with a task force from the Directorate General of Customs and Excise (DJBC) specialising in the Riau Islands region.

“Total suspects: 7 individuals. Evidence seized: 16 tonnes of tin sand and one vessel,” stated Brigadier General Moh Irhamni, Director of Specific Crimes at Bareskrim Polri, in a written statement on Sunday (1 March 2026).

Irhamni said the case was uncovered after a suspect named Amin admitted to processing and collecting illegal tin sand in Kelapa Kampit District, East Belitung.

Based on this confession, police conducted a search at the illegal tin sand shipment location, specifically at Seliu Beach in Membalong District, West Bangka Regency.

“The scene was processed and coordinate points were recorded,” Irhamni stated.

Police subsequently issued a press statement at the illegal tin sand processing site alongside the district police chiefs of Belitung and East Belitung.