Riau Islands Police Uncover Illegal Import of Three Used Aircraft Engines Worth Rp30 Billion
Batam - The Riau Islands Regional Police (Polda Kepri) have uncovered an alleged criminal act of trading involving the importation of three used aircraft engines from Singapore to Batam, with a total value reaching approximately Rp30 billion.
Head of Public Relations for Polda Kepri, Kombes Pol Nona Pricillia Ohei, stated in Batam on Thursday that the three aircraft engines were seized by the Special Crimes Directorate of Polda Kepri on 15 August 2026 in Jalan Duyung, Batu Ampar District, Batam.
“This involves the importation of non-new goods consisting of three aircraft engines or turbo engines from Singapore. The goods were seized on 15 August and are valued at approximately Rp30 billion, with each engine worth about Rp10 billion,” Nona said in Batam on Thursday.
In this case, the police have identified four suspects, initialed LH, AE, AS, and DJ, who played varying roles in the operation.
“These goods have been in Batam for seven months. They were not immediately sent to their final destination, but were intentionally held back, and the supporting documents were manipulated to allow them to reach their destination,” she added.
Investigators explained that the three engines were discovered during a transfer from a warehouse.
“The transfer was likely being conducted because the previous warehouse lease had expired, so we intercepted them during the moving process. Regarding ownership, the goods are currently linked to the suspect initialed LH,” said Paksi.
Investigators are still looking into companies mentioned as being involved in the shipment and receipt of the engines.
“The documents involve companies A, B, and C, but upon checking, those companies no longer exist. The investigation is still ongoing and being expanded, so it is possible there may be other suspects,” Pakint stated.
He noted that the engines entered Batam using a dry stack construction vessel and, according to the seized documents, the final destination was recorded as Jakarta. The engines were intended to be used as aircraft spare parts.
Furthermore, the four suspects originate from Batam and Jakarta, with roles ranging from offering the engine delivery job and managing administration to finding parties willing to receive and sell the spare parts.
For their actions, the suspects are charged under Article 111 in conjunction with Article 47 paragraph (1) and Article 46 of Law Number 7 of 2014 concerning Trade, as amended by Law Number 6 of 2023 in conjunction with Law Number 1 of 2023, and Law Number 1 of 2026 concerning Criminal Adjustments. Article 111 prohibits importers from importing goods that are not in new condition, as stipulated in Article 47 paragraph (1), which mandates that all importers must import goods in new condition, except under specific circumstances determined by the government.