Police Use Money Laundering Charges in Wildlife Trafficking Case

Riau Police have charged two individuals, FA (62) and FS (43), with money laundering in connection with the trade of Sumatran elephant tusks. The charges stem from an ongoing investigation into wildlife trafficking, which has already identified 15 suspects.

Director of Special Criminal Investigation, Commissioner Ade Kuncoro, stated that financial transaction analysis revealed FA received Rp 1.87 billion through 34 transactions. These funds are believed to be from ivory hunting across nine locations between 2024 and 2026. FA allegedly financed the hunters, while FS managed the international trade of wildlife, including pangolin scales.

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Kasus ini merupakan bagian dari pengungkapan kasus perdagangan satwa liar, yang menetapkan 15 orang tersangka, sebelumnya. Hasil pengembangan, polisi menemukan indikasi adanya dugaan pencucian uang.

In addition to financial transactions, investigators seized Rp 650 million in cash, an excavator, a Mitsubishi Triton, and a Suzuki Splash. The vehicles were confiscated from FS, while the cash and excavator were seized from FA. Bank account statements, a vehicle financing guarantee, and an invoice were also collected as evidence.

FA and FS are also charged under Article 607(1)(a) of Law Number 1 of 2023 concerning the Prevention and Eradication of Money Laundering Crimes (TPPU). Kuncoro emphasized the "follow the money" principle, aiming to trace, freeze, seize, and confiscate economic gains derived from criminal activities.

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Penerapan TPPU dalam perkara ini merupakan implementasi nyata dari prinsip follow the money. Kami tidak hanya menindak pelaku utama, tetapi juga menelusuri, membekukan, menyita, dan merampas keuntungan ekonomi yang diperoleh dari hasil kejahatan.