Arema FC Manager Suspected Of Illegal Cigarette Case, Detained At Salemba Detention Center

JAKARTA - Customs and Excise confirmed the determination of the WDA as the person in charge of the CV ZAJ cigarette factory, in Purwosari, Pasuruan, East Java, who is also the Manager of Arema FC, as a suspect in the case of illegal cigarette trafficking.

Head of the Public Relations and Customs Counseling Sub-Directorate Budi Prasetiyo said the determination of the suspect's status was carried out on May 5, 2025.

After going through the investigation process, Customs and Excise detained WDA at the Salemba State Detention Center, Customs Headquarters Branch. This detention was carried out for further investigation purposes.

"Currently, the legal process is still ongoing. Customs and Excise investigators are examining a number of witnesses related to the case. In addition, confiscation of evidence related to criminal acts in the field of excise is also being carried out in order to strengthen legal evidence," Budi said as quoted by ANTARA.

WDA is suspected of violating Articles 52, 54, and/or 56 of Law Number 11 of 1995 concerning Excise as amended by Law Number 39 of 2007 jo. Article 55 paragraph (1) of the Criminal Code jo. Article 64 paragraph (1) of the Criminal Code.

The suspect's status at WDA began with the prosecution of a truck loaded with 800,000 illegal cigarettes from the CV ZAJ cigarette factory, in Purwosari, Pasuruan, Thursday (27/2), by Customs.

WDA is the person in charge of the factory.

Although this case is in the spotlight because it involves a public figure, Budi emphasized that the law enforcement process will run professionally and independently.