Inp.polri.go.id - Pekanbaru. The Riau Regional Police have named 15 suspects involved in a sophisticated poaching syndicate responsible for the death of a wild elephant found beheaded in Pelalawan. 

Following an extensive cross-provincial investigation spanning from Sumatra to Java, authorities arrested 12 suspects, including the shooters and financiers, while three other suspects remain at large.

"We have dismantled a transnational-style network involving executioners, ammunition suppliers, and ivory traders across multiple cities," said Riau Regional Police Chief Inspector General Herry Heryawan on Tuesday (3/3/2026), as reported by antaranews.com.

The arrests began on 18 February 2026 with the capture of the executioner, identified as RA, in Ukui, followed by the arrest of the primary shooter and a notorious repeat offender, identified as FA, who supplied logistics and firearms training. 

Investigators traced the ivory supply chain through Jakarta and Surabaya, eventually leading to the arrest of a major financier, identified as FS, who was also found in possession of 140 kilograms of pangolin scales. Police confirmed that 40 witnesses have been examined, and they are seeking the maximum possible sentences for this "extraordinary crime" against protected wildlife.

(mg/inp/pr/rs)