Siak Police Dismantle Driver's Licence Forgery Ring, Eight Suspects Arrested
The Siak Police have dismantled a driving licence (SIM) forgery network operating across various regencies and cities in Riau Province. Eight perpetrators have been arrested, while two others remain at large.
Siak Police Chief AKBP Ade Irsyam Siregar explained that the investigation began following reports of counterfeit driving licences circulating in Siak Regency. The investigation subsequently expanded to Pekanbaru, revealing a network with roles ranging from finding customers and providing used SIM cards to printing and distributing the forged licences.
“This practice was carried out in a chain. Some offered services to the public, some received orders, some edited identities, some printed, some provided used SIM cards, and others delivered the completed licences,” said Sepuh on Wednesday (16/9/2026).
The breakthrough occurred when police arrested a suspect while they were delivering a licence in Suka Mulia Village, Dayun District, Siak. Following this arrest, investigators expanded their probe and successfully secured other suspects.
“A total of eight people have been named suspects, and two others are still being sought. We are continuing to expand the investigation to determine the extent of the distribution of these fake licences and any other involved parties,” said Sepuh.
Modus Operandi
Sepuh stated that the perpetrators offered licence production via WhatsApp, Facebook Marketplace, and intermediaries, with fees ranging from Rp550,000 to Rp1.7 million. The method required customers to send a photograph and their national ID (KTP).
The perpetrators then edited the identity using mobile applications and created barcodes displaying the owner’s data alongside the Korlantas Polri logo. This data was printed on transparent stickers using colour printers and then applied to used SIM cards where the previous owner’s identity had been erased.
Investigations also revealed that the used SIM cards used as the base for the forged licences were allegedly obtained through theft. These cards were then traded within the network before the old identities were wiped and replaced with the new customers’ details.
Police have obtained information that approximately 50 used SIM cards were traded during August 2026. One suspect is alleged to have produced and distributed at least 23 fake licences, while another admitted to distributing 17.
From the network, police seized several suspected counterfeit licences, 48 used SIM cards, mobile phones, cash, vehicles, as well as computers and printers believed to have been used in production.
Riau Regional Police Traffic Director, Kombes Jeki Rahmat Mustika, stated that the origin of the used SIM cards is being investigated alongside the Siak Police investigators.
“We will trace this back to the source, including how these used SIM cards were obtained and ended up in the hands of the forgery network. If any further criminal acts or involvement of other parties are found, they will be processed according to the law,” said Jeki.
Jeki also reminded the public that driving licences are only issued through official National Police mechanisms by meeting requirements and undergoing testing.
“Do not be tempted by offers to create licences through unofficial channels. A driving licence is not just a card, but proof that an individual has met the requirements to operate a motor vehicle,” he added.
The suspects are charged under Article 391 paragraph (1) in conjunction with Article 20 letter c of Law Number 1 of 2023 regarding the Criminal Code (KUHP).
Police are still hunting for two individuals, identified by the initials R and F, and are expanding the investigation to map the network and the distribution areas of the forged licences.
Riau Regional Police have urged the public to process their driving licences through official police services and to avoid using services that offer licence issuance without following proper procedures.