Criminal Investigation Directorate Arrests Seven Suspects in Illegal Tin Mining Operation in Bangka Belitung
The Directorate of Specific Crimes of the Indonesian National Police (Bareskrim Polri), together with the Directorate General of Customs and Excise of the Ministry of Finance, has uncovered an illegal mining and tin sand smuggling operation from the Bangka Belitung islands to Malaysia. Seven individuals have been designated as suspects.
The case began when Customs officials received information about a vessel suspected of carrying illegal tin sand for smuggling to Malaysia on Monday, 23 February 2026. One day after receiving the information, officials seized the vessel KM Rezeki Laut II carrying 319 sacks of tin sand without proper documentation.
On board the vessel were one captain and four crew members, who were handed over to Bareskrim Polri for further investigation and prosecution.
From investigative developments, police apprehended two suspects with initials A and M on Belitung island. Both are suspected of acting as collectors, processors, and distributors of illegal tin sand. All seven have now been designated as suspects.
From the investigation results, the tin sand originated from illegal mining using shaking tables, and was then collected, refined, and prepared for export. The perpetrators had smuggled tin sand to Malaysia four times, with the final destination being a smelter in Malaysia with the initial M.
Investigators then confiscated the shaking tables used to refine tin ore and other evidence. In addition, police cordoned off the illegal tin sand processing site in Kelapa Kampit, East Belitung regency.
“Our purpose and visit here is to develop the case of smuggling and illegal mining of tin sand. This location is the processing facility conducting smuggling that we caught yesterday together with our Customs colleagues,” said the Director of Specific Crimes of Bareskrim Polri, Brigadier General Irhamni, speaking to journalists on Sunday, 1 March 2026.
“This shaking table was used to refine tin ore. This is their source for smuggling tin to Malaysia,” he added.
Police also conducted crime scene investigation and took coordinate readings at various shipping routes, including coastal areas and ports, to strengthen evidence. Regarding suspect statements concerning alleged involvement of defence force personnel, Polri emphasised that the case is being handled professionally, transparently, and fairly.
Bareskrim Polri’s Directorate of Specific Crimes has and will continue to coordinate with the Naval Military Police (POM AL) for further investigation. The director stated that if defence personnel involvement is found during the investigation, it will be processed according to legal mechanisms and respective institutional authorities.
All suspects have been charged under Article 161 of Law Number 3 of 2020 concerning Mineral and Coal Mining (Minerba). Irhamni emphasised that investigators will continue to pursue financial backers and other networks involved.
This disclosure is a concrete demonstration of Polri’s support for the Government’s commitment under the Asta Cita Programme, particularly in preventing illegal mining, smuggling, and theft of national natural resources. Polri is committed to continuing to protect sovereignty over natural resources, strengthen law enforcement, and ensure that Indonesia’s natural wealth is managed legally, sustainably, and provides maximum benefit to society.
Polri urges the public not to become involved in illegal mining and mineral trading activities, and to immediately report to law enforcement authorities if they are aware of illegal mining and natural resource smuggling practices.