New Gold Smuggling Method Uncovered, Now Hidden in CDs and Bras
The Indonesian National Police have revealed that methods for illegally exporting gold are becoming increasingly varied as enforcement actions by the Directorate General of Customs and Excise at the Ministry of Finance and related parties continue to grow.
Director of Specific Crimes at the Criminal Investigation Agency (Bareskrim) of the National Police, Moh. Irhamni, explained that in addition to smuggling gold in bar form, and previously in the shape of bullets or eggs, individuals are suspected of smuggling gold in powder form hidden inside underwear.
“We are informing you that new modi operandi have developed. Besides gold blocks (bars), it has now developed into powder placed in underwear, whether women’s (bras) or men’s underpants,” Irhamni said at a press conference at the Customs and Excise head office on Tuesday (18/8/2026).
Irhamni explained that the powder originates from gold bars that are melted down using a tool. After becoming powder, the perpetrators also alter it so that the metal elements cannot be detected by X-ray machines. This is done by applying chemical agents and dyes, so that its form can change into a gel. The perpetrators then insert the gel containing gold powder into modified underwear.
Moreover, as enforcement becomes more widespread, his office also stated that the potential for new gold smuggling methods is likely to become increasingly diverse. This is especially so as Customs and Excise will be using sophisticated equipment.
“We need to anticipate this together. Going forward, we must not assume that their methods are only like this, that gold bars might be detectable at entry points, but many are still getting through with new modi operandi,” Irhamni explained.
Previously, in enforcement actions against gold smuggling on 10 and 11 August, Customs and Excise and related agencies uncovered smuggling methods used by individuals to ensure their operations succeeded.
Minister of Finance Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa said that in the gold smuggling enforcement case at Soekarno-Hatta Airport, different perpetrators used several methods, one of which involved inserting gold into body cavities and exploiting airport staff.
“In less than 24 hours, Customs and Excise faced two different methods. The first involved insertion into the female genital area and rectum. In the next case, Customs and Excise announced the use of new ground handling staff to carry gold to passengers,” Purbaya said at a press conference on Thursday (13/8/2026).