Inp.polri.go.id - Batam. A joint task force from the Criminal Investigation Agency of the Indonesian National Police (INP) and the Riau Islands Regional Police has launched a deep-dive investigation into an illegal tin sand smuggling operation. 

The case centers on the deportation of 11 Indonesian crew members, who were caught by the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency in October 2025 while attempting to smuggle 7.5 tons of tin sand from Bangka Belitung to Malaysia.

The 11 suspects were among 133 Indonesian citizens deported from Malaysia via the Batam Center International Ferry Terminal on Thursday afternoon (29/1/2026). Upon arrival at 3.30 pm, the crew members, ranging in age from 23 to 53, were immediately escorted to the Riau Islands Police Headquarters for intensive interrogation.

"We are investigating the logistics of how this Indonesian-flagged vessel managed to bypass maritime patrols and reach Malaysia with 7.5 tons of tin sand. We are also working to identify the intellectual property owners and the scale of the syndicate's operations," stated Brigadier General Moch Irhamni, the Director of Specific Crimes  at the INP Criminal Investigation Agency, as cited by antaranews.com.

The suspects had previously served three months in a Malaysian immigration detention center for visa violations before being handed over to Indonesian authorities. The coordination for their arrest and subsequent investigation was facilitated by the Indonesian Consulate General in Johor Bahru. Initial findings suggest the tin sand originated from the Bangka Belitung islands, a primary hub for Indonesian tin production, and was destined for illegal buyers in Malaysia.

(mg/inp/pr/rs)