Pacitan Police Brigadier Becomes Fugitive, Suspected of Scamming to Free Detainee

A member of the Pacitan Police Resort, ranked Brigadier, is on the run after allegedly being involved in a fraud case worth tens of millions of rupiah by promising to free a detainee. Brigadier SA, who serves at the Sat Tahti of Pacitan Police Resort, has fled or absconded from duty for approximately one month. He has even been added to the DPO (most wanted list). The Pacitan Police Resort stated that they have received a report from the victim’s family and have examined the victim. “The report was on 16 April; we have already examined the victim, and we plan to examine the victim’s sibling, who was present during the money handover,” said the Head of Criminal Investigation at Pacitan Police Resort, AKP Choirul Maskanan. According to the reporter, Brigadier SA lured the reporter by promising to free one of the family members currently detained at Pacitan Police Resort by paying Rp 30 million. The reporter agreed to Brigadier SA’s request and handed over the requested amount of money. However, up to the specified time, the reporter did not receive any release information. Choirul added that Brigadier SA has never once complied with examination summonses, and his whereabouts remain unknown to this day. “Issuing the DPO is a legal step to ensure the alleged suspect is quickly found and held accountable for his actions according to applicable law,” he added. The Public Relations Officer of Pacitan Police Resort, Aiptu Thomas Alim Suheny, said that this case is still under investigation at the Criminal Investigation Unit of Pacitan Police Resort. “We are still taking statements from the reporter. And an examination of Brigadier SA will be conducted when he returns or is found,” he said. In addition to the tens of millions of rupiah, Brigadier SA also fled with a Honda Vario motorcycle belonging to a fellow police officer. Brigadier SA is also suspected of being involved in a motorcycle theft from the parking lot of a karaoke cafe in the Tamperan area. “Usually, when SA borrows a motorbike, he pawns it, and the owner has to redeem it themselves. I have been a victim before,” said one of the victims named Supriyanto. If proven guilty, Brigadier SA not only faces dishonourable dismissal (PTDH) but also prosecution under Article 492 of the Criminal Code for fraud or embezzlement, with a maximum penalty of four years’ imprisonment.