Gold Smuggling Syndicate to Hong Kong Uncovered

The Criminal Investigation Agency (Bareskrim) of the Indonesian National Police has uncovered a case of gold smuggling sourced from illegal mining in various regions of Indonesia to Hong Kong. The syndicate used a body strapping modus operandi.

The body strapping method involves smuggling refined gold by attaching it to the body, allowing it to evade airport security checks.

In this case, police have arrested suspect R, an Indonesian citizen. He was arrested on Tuesday morning (25/8) after landing from Japan.

Police are coordinating with the Financial Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (PPATK) to trace the syndicate’s financial flows and assets.

‘From these transaction documents, we will attempt to coordinate with PPATK to trace their financial transactions and where their assets are stored. We will pursue and confiscate assets in order to recover proceeds from the sale of illegal gold or illegal gold smuggling to Hong Kong,’ said Brigadier General Mohammad Irhamni, Director of Certain Crimes at Bareskrim.

Bareskrim subsequently raided a house used as a base for illegal gold refining in the Penjaringan area of North Jakarta. The raided house is located on Jalan Cendana Golf III, Kamal Muara, Penjaringan. The search was conducted on Tuesday evening (25/8).

The house was occupied by a Chinese national with the initials GCZ, who is now suspected of having fled abroad.

Investigators seized a gold detector unit, digital scales, grinding equipment, and an airsoft gun complete with CO2 gas canister and ammunition. Officers also confiscated Rp 60 million in cash. Investigators also secured several laptops, mobile phones, and financial transaction documents.

‘The location is suspected to be a workshop for illegal gold refining and processing activities by a smuggling network to China operated by a Chinese foreign national,’ Irhamni explained.

‘We are conducting further investigation into the suspected perpetrators, both those still in Indonesia and those who have fled abroad to Hong Kong,’ he added.