Criminal Investigation Bureau Raids Gold Shop in East Java in Connection with Illegal Mining Money Laundering Case
The Directorate of Special Economic Crimes (Dittipideksus) of the National Police’s Criminal Investigation Bureau (Bareskrim Polri) has raided Toko Emas Semar, a gold shop in Nganjuk, East Java. The raid was carried out in connection with suspected money laundering (TPPU) linked to unlicensed mining operations (PETI).
“Today, investigators from Dittipideksus Bareskrim Polri conducted simultaneous raids at three locations in the Surabaya and Nganjuk areas,” said the Director of Special Economic Crimes at Bareskrim Polri, Brigadier General Ade Safri Simanjuntak, in a written statement on Thursday (19/2/2026).
He explained that the case stems from the further development of an illegal gold mining case in West Kalimantan during 2019–2022. The original case had been adjudicated by the Pontianak District Court and has obtained permanent legal force.
“Based on the findings from the investigation into the predicate offence and the facts presented at trial, a flow of illegal gold shipments and proceeds from unlicensed mining activities channelled to several parties has been identified,” Ade Safri explained.
Ade stated that his team had secured documents and other evidence relating to the receiving, processing, and sale of gold from unlicensed mining operations. He said there were suspicious transactions at the shop in question.
“Investigators are also collaborating with PPATK in tracing financial transactions as part of uncovering this case,” Ade said.
According to PPATK data, the total value of gold purchase and sale transactions from illegal mining during the 2019–2025 period reached Rp 25.8 trillion. The modus operandi involved purchasing gold originating from illegal mines, with transactions conducted partially or wholly through gold refining companies and export firms.
“This money laundering investigation represents one of the law enforcement approaches whereby business operators who receive, exploit, process and/or refine, or sell any minerals originating from illegal mining will be subject to firm legal action,” he said.