Jakarta (ANTARA) – The Indonesian National Police’s Criminal Investigation Agency (Bareskrim) has uncovered an alleged illegal gold smuggling scheme in which gold was melted into powder and processed into a gel to evade detection by airport security officers.
The scheme came to light after investigators raided a house and the White Classic Gold & Silver jewelry store in Sunter, North Jakarta, on Monday (Aug 17) as part of an investigation into the alleged smuggling of gold to Dubai by Indian nationals.
The Director of Certain Crimes (Dittipidter) at Bareskrim, Brigadier General Moh Irhamni, explained in a video statement received in Jakarta on Tuesday that the suspects melted gold bars into powder using a specialized device.
The powder was then mixed with chemicals and coloring agents to turn it into a gel. The suspects subsequently concealed the gold-containing gel inside modified underwear.
By converting the gold into gel, the suspects sought to prevent it from being detected as metal by airport X-ray scanners. The material would also feel like ordinary skin or a soft, elastic substance when touched.
“The gel was placed inside men’s underwear and women’s bras to avoid inspection at Soekarno-Hatta Airport,” he said.
During the search, investigators seized several pieces of evidence, including a 1-kilogram gold bar, a sewing machine used to modify underwear, chemicals, a blender used in the gold-processing operation, and several bank account books.
According to Irhamni, information from local residents indicated that the syndicate had been operating for eight months.
The White Classic Gold & Silver jewelry store is suspected of being owned by an Indian national who was involved in illegal gold transactions.
“We will certainly cooperate with the Immigration authorities, as well as our colleagues at Soekarno-Hatta Airport and Customs, and with PPATK to trace all financial transaction flows,” he said.
Previously, police investigators had detained two Indian nationals in connection with the alleged smuggling of illegal gold to Dubai. The suspected syndicate was reportedly processing approximately 30 kilograms of gold per day. The processed gold was allegedly intended to be smuggled to Dubai.
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Translator: Bayu Prasetyo
Editor: M Razi Rahman
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