inp.polri.go.id - Jakarta. The Directorate of Specific Crimes of the Indonesian National Police (INP)'s has named seven suspects in a case of alleged illegal mining and tin sand smuggling from the Bangka Belitung Islands to Malaysia.

The Director of Specific Crimes, Brigadier General Irhamni, stated that the seven suspects are the captain and four crew members of the KM Rezeki Laut II, as well as two other individuals identified as A and M.

He explained that the case began on February 23, 2026, when customs officers received information about a ship suspected of carrying tin sand to be smuggled to Malaysia.

The following day, the authority successfully seized the KM Rezeki Laut II, carrying 319 sacks of tin sand without proper documentation. One captain and four crew members were also arrested for transporting illegal tin sand without a permit.

Following the investigation, the police arrested two more suspects, identified as A and M, on Belitung Island. 

"Both are suspected of acting as the recipient, manager, and shipper of the illegal tin sand," said the Director of Customs and Excise, Monday (3/2/2026).

The investigation revealed that the tin sand originated from illegal mining. The collected sand was then refined using a shaking table and prepared for shipment overseas.

"These perpetrators have smuggled tin sand to Malaysia at least four times. The tin was sold to a smelter company in Malaysia with the initials M. This is based on their confessions during questioning," explained the Director of Mining and Information Technology.

All suspects were charged under Article 161 of Law Number 3 of 2020 concerning Mineral and Coal Mining (Minerba). He emphasized that the investigation would continue to expand to include the financiers and other networks involved.

This disclosure also demonstrates police's support for the government's Astacita program, particularly in preventing illegal mining, smuggling, and theft of the country's natural resources.

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