Unit 1 of the Bareskrim Polri’s Resmob Unit has successfully dismantled a sophisticated counterfeit US dollar (USD) distribution network operating across the Banten region. This significant operation resulted in the seizure of evidence valued at a staggering IDR 1.4 billion.
Kombes Teuku Arsya Khadafi, Head of Bareskrim Polri’s Resmob Unit, detailed that the bust occurred on Friday, April 17th, at approximately 1:45 PM WIB (Western Indonesian Time). The location of the operation was identified as the Saung Sunda area in Telaga Lestari, Cikupa, Tangerang Regency.
“We, from the Satresmob Bareskrim Polri, have successfully uncovered a group that intended to circulate counterfeit dollars among the public,” Arsya informed reporters on Sunday, April 19th.
The intricate case began to unravel following a crucial tip-off received through the Bareskrim Resmob hotline. This meticulous investigation led to the apprehension of a man identified only by his initials, AS, during an attempted illicit transaction.
“We discovered an individual named AS attempting to transact counterfeit dollars, which he referred to as ‘Macau dollars,’ at a rate of IDR 13,400 per US dollar,” Arsya explained.
From AS, police confiscated hundreds of sheets of fake currency, all in 100-dollar denominations.
“Subsequently, upon his arrest, we found 874 sheets of 100 USD dollar bills in the suspect’s possession, which were later confirmed to be counterfeit,” he added.
The investigation did not stop with AS. Police swiftly expanded their probe, apprehending three additional individuals connected to the criminal syndicate. Each member played a distinct role, ranging from intermediaries to the primary provider of the fake currency.
“The arrest of AS led to the identification and apprehension of his intermediaries, AF and AA, and ultimately, to HS, who served as the provider of this counterfeit money,” Arsya revealed.
Interrogations revealed the perpetrators’ deceptive modus operandi: they capitalized on the currently high US dollar exchange rates. To entice potential victims, they offered the counterfeit currency at prices significantly below market value.
“They also promised that if individuals wished to resell the currency at any time, the syndicate would accept it back,” Arsya further elaborated, highlighting another layer of their fraudulent scheme.
Police Hunt Main Supplier
Currently, law enforcement authorities are intensely pursuing an individual identified by the initial D, who is strongly suspected of being the main supplier of the counterfeit currency to this network.
“Regarding the counterfeit dollars we have secured, they were sourced from an individual named D, and our investigation into this lead is ongoing. We are also working to ascertain whether this particular group operates independently or if it is connected to a larger syndicate operating in other locations,” he clarified.
Kombes Arsya urged the public to exercise extreme vigilance and not be easily tempted by seemingly lucrative offers of foreign currency at unrealistically low prices.
“It is also our hope that when the public conducts transactions, they do so through official institutions such as general banks or licensed money changers that are authorized to operate,” he concluded.
The apprehended suspects, along with the seized evidence, have since been handed over to the Directorate of Special Economic Crimes within Bareskrim Polri. For their illicit actions, the suspects face severe legal consequences, charged under Articles 244 and 245, paragraphs 1 and 2, of the Indonesian Criminal Code.
Summary
The Resmob Unit of the Criminal Investigation Department (Baresk