Teknowarta – SURABAYA – In a significant development, the Directorate of Special Economic Crimes (Dittipideksus) of the National Police Criminal Investigation Department (Bareskrim Polri) reportedly raided a gold smelting factory situated on Jalan Raya Tengger Kandangan, Benowo, Surabaya. This operation marks a crucial step in a broader investigation into alleged financial crimes.
The extensive raid, which commenced at 9:30 AM WIB, concluded around 4:30 PM WIB, spanning approximately seven hours. This activity is believed to be directly linked to an ongoing inquiry into a colossal money laundering scheme, stemming from illegal gold mining operations in West Kalimantan Province conducted between 2019 and 2025. The scope and duration of the raid underscore the gravity of the allegations.
Media personnel observing the scene noted that investigators were seen carrying a box and a red bag, both suspected to contain vital evidence. However, the police personnel remained tight-lipped, declining to offer any comments regarding the raid. They swiftly loaded the seized evidence into a Toyota Innova before promptly departing from the location, maintaining discretion throughout the operation.
Sumardi, the head of RT 04 RW 06 Wisma Tengger, confirmed his involvement as he was requested by the investigators to act as a witness during the seven-hour search. His presence highlights the official protocol followed during such high-profile operations.
Despite being present, Sumardi refrained from commenting on the specific activities conducted by the investigators inside the gold smelting factory. The facility is reportedly linked to PT Suka Jadi Logam. He disclosed that he had been explicitly cautioned against providing any further details regarding the ongoing proceedings.
“Pak RW and I were only asked to witness the raid. I am not allowed to discuss it,” Sumardi stated, emphasizing the strict confidentiality surrounding the investigation.
This raid in Surabaya follows a previous operation by Dittipideksus Bareskrim Polri. As previously reported, the department conducted a search of a house located on Jalan Tampomas, Sawahan, Surabaya, on Thursday, February 19, 2026. This earlier raid was also connected to suspicions of money laundering derived from illegal gold mining management, indicating a coordinated effort to dismantle the illicit network.
Following the approximately 10-hour search at the Tampomas residence, investigators seized a substantial amount of evidence. This included four container boxes filled with various items such as official letters, critical documents, electronic devices, a significant sum of cash, and even gold bars, underscoring the lucrative nature of the alleged criminal enterprise.
Based on preliminary investigative findings, the cumulative transactions related to the buying and selling of gold—suspected to have originated from illegal mining in West Kalimantan Province between 2019 and 2025—have reached an astonishing sum of Rp25.8 trillion. This staggering figure illustrates the immense scale of the alleged financial crime and its profound impact.
Brigadier General Ade Safri Simanjuntak, the Director of Dittipideksus Bareskrim Polri, revealed that his team has questioned 37 witnesses to date. These interrogations aim to delve deeper into the intricate flow of funds and identify the precise roles of all parties involved in this elaborate scheme.
“As of now, 37 [witnesses have been interviewed], and the investigation process is still ongoing, colleagues, to find and gather evidence that will illuminate what transpired and ultimately identify the suspects,” he affirmed, highlighting the meticulous nature of the ongoing probe.
Brig. Gen. Ade Safri underscored the department’s unwavering commitment to thoroughly investigate this case. He asserted that the investigation would be conducted with the utmost professionalism until the principal perpetrators behind this sophisticated money laundering operation, disguised as illegal gold mining, are brought to justice.
“We guarantee that the investigation into this case will proceed professionally, transparently, and accountably. Professionalism means being procedural and thorough. Yes, we guarantee it will be thorough,” Brig. Gen. Ade Safri concluded, reinforcing the police’s dedication to a comprehensive and decisive resolution.
Summary
The Directorate of Special Economic Crimes (Dittipideksus) of the National Police Criminal Investigation Department (Bareskrim Polri) raided a gold smelting factory in Benowo, Surabaya, in connection with an investigation into a massive money laundering scheme. This seven-hour operation, concluding around 4:30 PM WIB, is linked to illegal gold mining operations in West Kalimantan Province between 2019 and 2025. Investigators seized suspected vital evidence, while a local official was present as a witness, under strict instructions not to disclose details about the factory linked to PT Suka Jadi Logam.
This raid follows a previous search on February 19, 2026, at a residence in Tampomas, Surabaya, where significant evidence including documents, cash, and gold bars was seized. Preliminary findings indicate the cumulative transactions from the illegal gold trade have reached an astonishing Rp25.8 trillion. Bareskrim has questioned 37 witnesses and is committed to conducting a professional, transparent, and thorough investigation to bring all perpetrators of this elaborate financial crime to justice.