Indonesian Authorities Seize Luxury Cars in Tin Corruption Case Involving Rp 271 Trillion in Potential State Losses

The Indonesian Attorney General's Office (AGO) has seized luxury vehicles belonging to suspects in an alleged corruption case involving the tin commodity trading system for PT Timah Tbk's Mining Business Permit (IUP) from 2015 to 2022. Among the cars confiscated are a Mercedes Benz owned by Robert Indarto, the President Director of PT SBS, who is one of 16 suspects implicated in the case.

Investigators from the AGO also seized a Toyota Zenix belonging to Indarto, as well as a Lexus RX300 and Toyota Vellfire owned by another suspect, Harvey Moeis. The luxury vehicles are strongly suspected to be proceeds from the tin corruption scheme, which has potentially caused state losses amounting to Rp 271 trillion ($18.3 billion).

During a search of Moeis' residence, authorities further confiscated a Rolls Royce, a Mini Cooper, Rp76 billion ($5.1 million) in cash, and precious metals. Moeis, the 16th suspect in the case, is suspected of accommodating illegal mining in PT Timah Tbk's concession area and is currently being held at the Salemba Rutan detention center at the South Jakarta District Attorney's Office.

Why this matters: The seizure of luxury assets in this high-profile corruption case underscores the Indonesian government's intensified efforts to combat graft and illicit practices in the country's lucrative mining sector. With potential state losses reaching trillions of rupiah, the outcome of this investigation could have significant implications for transparency and accountability in Indonesia's resource extraction industries.

The AGO's ongoing probe seeks to reveal the full extent of the alleged corruption scheme and hold those involved accountable. "The investigation is ongoing, and the AGO is working to uncover the full extent of the alleged corruption scheme involving 16 suspects and potential state losses of Rp 271 trillion," stated an official source close to the investigation. As authorities continue to gather evidence and trace the flow of funds, more seizures and arrests are anticipated in the coming weeks.

Key Takeaways

• AGO seized luxury vehicles of suspects in tin corruption case at PT Timah Tbk.
• Seized assets include Mercedes, Toyota, Lexus, Rolls Royce, and $5.1M cash.
• Alleged corruption scheme caused potential state losses of Rp 271 trillion ($18.3B).
• 16 suspects implicated, including PT SBS President Director Robert Indarto.
• AGO's ongoing probe aims to uncover full extent of corruption and hold suspects accountable.