Head of Sub-Directorate IV of the Special Criminal Investigation Directorate, Adjunct Senior Commissioner Anton Hermawan, said on Monday that the investigation was a follow-up to the case uncovered by Soekarno-Hatta Airport Customs and Excise.
“If sufficient evidence is found, we will file a police report and proceed to the investigation stage,” he said.
His team will conduct forensic laboratory examinations and review closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage to uncover details surrounding the alleged crime.
“We will likely provide technical assistance related to forensic examinations, cyber laboratory analysis, and inspections of the suspect’s mobile phone to identify the modus operandi and possible networks involved,” he added.
Hermawan said the suspect was attempting to smuggle unprocessed gold that was believed to be further refined into pure gold for sale.
He added that investigators would also examine the possible involvement of other parties connected to the gold supply and smuggling attempt.
Previously, Soekarno-Hatta Customs and Excise officers foiled an attempt to smuggle about 265 grams of gold worth Rp700 million (around US$43,210) by an Indian national.
Head of Soekarno-Hatta Customs and Excise Hengky Tomuan Parlindungan Aritonang said the suspect concealed the gold inside underwear worn during the trip.
“The gold was planned to be flown from Soekarno-Hatta Airport to Singapore before continuing to New Delhi, India,” he said.
The smuggling attempt was uncovered on Friday (May 8) at Terminal 3 of the airport’s international departure area.
Joint officers searched a passenger bound for New Delhi via Singapore after noticing suspicious behavior.
Officers found two packages containing gold granules wrapped in flour-based dough to disguise their appearance.
“The packages were hidden inside the suspect’s underwear to avoid detection during security screening,” he said.
The suspect was charged under Article 102A letter a of Law No. 17 of 2006 on Customs, which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and a fine of up to Rp5 billion (around US$287,000).
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Translator: Azmi Syamsul, Resinta Sulistiyandari
Editor: Anton Santoso
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