Bareskrim Polri Uncover Gold Smuggling Using Gel Disguise to Dubai
The Directorate of Special Crimes (Dittipidter) of Bareskrim Polri has successfully uncovered an illegal gold smuggling operation using a highly sophisticated new method. The perpetrators transformed gold bullion into a gel form to deceive inspections by officers and scanning machines at airports.
The case came to light following a raid on a house and gold shop, White Classic Gold & Silver, in the Sunter area of North Jakarta on Monday (17/8). The operation was an extension of a gold smuggling case to Dubai involving Indian nationals.
Director of Special Crimes (Dirtipidter) of Bareskrim Polri, Brigadier General Moh. Irhamni, explained that the syndicate used technology and chemicals to disguise the precious metal. Gold bullion was first melted into a fine powder using special equipment.
“Next, the powder was treated with chemicals and colouring agents so that its texture changed into a gel. With this transformation, the gold would not be detected as metal when passing through airport x-ray machines,” Irhamni said in an official statement on Tuesday (18/8).
Not only did it evade machine detection, but the gold gel also had a springy texture resembling human skin when touched. To take it abroad, the perpetrators inserted the gel containing gold powder into specially modified underwear, for both men and women.
During the search of the premises, investigators seized a number of crucial pieces of evidence. Based on initial investigations and statements from local residents, the syndicate, strongly believed to be owned by Indian nationals, had been operating for eight months. Police had previously detained two Indian nationals involved in the network.
The syndicate was known to have a sizeable production capacity. Over the past two months of operation, they were able to produce approximately 30 kilograms of gold per day for smuggling to Dubai.
Polri is now deepening its investigation to trace the entire network and financial flows of this international syndicate. Coordination with various parties is ongoing to close smuggling loopholes at the country’s entry and exit points.
“We are cooperating with Immigration, Customs and Excise, Soekarno-Hatta Airport authorities, and PPATK to trace all financial transaction flows in this case,” Irhamni concluded.