Forgery Syndicate in Riau Has Produced 500 Fake Driving Licences, Distributed Across Sumatra

The Riau Regional Police Traffic Directorate has exposed a network of counterfeit driving licence (SIM) forgers who have produced hundreds of fake licences. The group operated not only in Pekanbaru but also across several regions in Sumatra.

“The number of licences produced and distributed is estimated to reach approximately 500 SIMs, with circulation occurring not only in Pekanbaru but also in various areas across Sumatra Island,” stated the Riau Regional Police Traffic Director, Kombes Jeki Rahmat Mustika, during a press conference on Thursday (17/09/2026).

Jeki explained that the perpetrators offered driving licence production services via social media using a specially designed application. When accessed via mobile phones, the interface and logo appeared to resemble the official police application.

This deception convinced potential users that the licences they were purchasing were official documents issued by the police. The perpetrators offered to create licences without the requirement of undergoing any theory or practical examinations.

“Users only need to pay a certain amount of money, after which the licence can be produced immediately and delivered to the requester or collected at a location designated by the group,” he continued.

In the course of this investigation, police arrested eight suspects with varying roles. Some were responsible for offering services via social media, others were tasked with forging the licences, and some provided the materials and equipment necessary for the production process.

“A number of pieces of evidence used in these activities have been seized, including printers, CPUs, computer casings, as well as various other tools and materials used to print the fake licences,” he said.

Kombes Jeki urged the public not to be easily deceived by parties offering driving licence production services. He emphasised that licences are only issued by the Indonesian National Police (Polri) following official procedures, including theory and practical tests.

“Licences obtained without following official procedures, including without undergoing theory and practical exams, are declared invalid and void. Therefore, members of the public who believe they have obtained a licence through such channels are advised to immediately check and verify their status with the Satpas or the police Traffic Unit,” he concluded.