Bareskrim Uncovers Syndicate in Rp 25 Trillion Illegal Gold Case Operating Since 2019
Bareskrim Polri is still investigating the case of illegal gold trading from mining operations in West Kalimantan up to West Papua. Police have revealed that the process of buying and selling gold from illegal mining has been ongoing for approximately six years.
“Using gold suspected to originate from unlicensed (PETI) or illegal mining over the period from 2019 to 2025, occurring in West Kalimantan, West Papua, and other locations,” stated Brigadier General Ade Safri Simanjuntak, Director of Special Economic Crimes at Bareskrim Polri, in his statement on Tuesday (31/3/2026).
Based on investigation findings, the accumulated transactions for buying and selling gold suspected from illegal mining reached Rp 25.9 trillion. These transactions stemmed from illegal mines as well as sales to several gold refining companies and exporters.
“Based on the facts from the investigation to date, the accumulated transactions for buying and selling gold suspected from illegal mining during the 2019-2025 period reached Rp 25.9 trillion,” he said.
Ade Safri explained that the uncovering was based on a report from PPATK. From that report, suspicious gold trading transactions by gold shops and trading activities by gold refining companies abroad were identified.
In the course of the investigation, investigators raided five locations in Nganjuk Regency and Surabaya on 19-20 February 2026. Investigators seized several pieces of evidence, including gold in various jewellery forms totalling 8.16 kg, gold bars weighing 51.3 kg valued at approximately Rp 150 billion, and cash amounting to Rp 7.13 billion.
Investigators have also named three individuals as suspects: men TW, woman DW, and man BSW. Investigators, continued Ade Safri, are developing the money laundering crime (TPPU) aspect. Investigators then raided PT Simba Jaya, PT Indah Golden Signature (IGS), and PT Suka Jadi Logam (SJL).
“To strengthen the evidence and as part of the ongoing investigation development, today the investigators from Dittipideksus Bareskrim Polri conducted further raids at three locations of gold refining and trading companies in Surabaya City and Sidoarjo Regency, East Java,” he added.
Investigators from Dittipideksus Bareskrim Polri seized 6 kg of gold and Rp 1.4 billion in cash from three gold refining and trading companies in East Java. The seizure relates to the alleged money laundering crime from illegal mining.
“The investigation team has seized evidence in the form of precious metal gold weighing approximately 6 kilograms in various sizes, documents or letters, electronic evidence, cash amounting to Rp 1,454,000,000, and other related evidence concerning the alleged crime,” said Ade Safri.
Ade Safri added that investigators are still developing the case. Investigators are also collaborating with PPATK to trace the financial transactions and assets of the suspects.