Police bust syndicate of adulterated fuel

Police bust syndicate of adulterated fuel

JAKARTA (JP): City police arrested yesterday two men and
seized 50,000 liters of adulterated diesel fuel they had produced
in the Pamulang district, Tangerang, about 25 kilometers south of
here.

Capt. Marsidi HP, head of operational affairs for the on-the-
alert division, locally known as Samapta, said yesterday the
suspects had mixed one part original diesel fuel and one part
kerosene. "They put in a small amount of residue to color the
mixture," he said.

"They produced at least 35,000 liters of adulterated diesel
oil everyday and they have been running the business for two
years," Marsidi said.

Most of the fuel was sold to local factories and export-
oriented industries in Tangerang and in some areas of the city.
Reports also said that a number of gas stations in Jakarta had
become regular buyers.

The price of the bogus diesel fuel, set by the suspects,
remains unknown.

According to Marsidi, two other people are wanted for similar
offenses.

The two suspects were identified as "big boss" Rasyid and his
employee, Sudarno.

They were arrested at approximately 10 a.m. yesterday during a
raid at Rasyid's small plant near Jl. Raya Parung.

During police questioning, Sudarno said that the original fuel
was purchased from a Pertamina gas station and the kerosene was
bought from a depot in Manggarai.

For selling their bogus diesel fuel, police strongly believe
that the group had contact persons at various factories,
industries and gas stations.

Police also confiscated two sets of diesel machines from the
plant site, allegedly used to mix the oil and the kerosene.

The adulterated fuel can damage the costly machines at the
factories, as well as those of motor vehicles.

The two suspects will be charged with fraud if they are found
guilty. They could face a maximum sentence of four years
imprisonment.

Although police have raided dozens of similar businesses in
and around the city over the past two years, a large number of
similar plants are still operating. Reports have stated that the
illicit businesses were backed by members of the Armed Forces.

"We have no plan to stop investigations," city police
spokesman Lt. Col. Iman Haryatna said.

"What we need is public participation in informing us about
such illegal plants," he said.

Iman said that a preliminary investigation reveals that the
main motive for the illegal business was to make money. (bsr)