Police In Riau Islands Become Suspects Of Fraud Of Candidates For Non-commissioned Officers, Victims Of Deposit Rp280 Million

JAKARTA - The Riau Islands Resort Police (Kepri Police) has taken firm action against a member of the police involved in the alleged fraud case of a candidate for NCO in 2024.

Investigators from the Ditreskrimum of the Riau Islands Police arrested Ipda GP, the former Subdivisionrenmin Ditbinmas of the Riau Islands Police who were involved in the case, and have been named suspects.

"According to the instructions of the Riau Islands Police Chief, Inspector General Asep Safrudin, there is no tolerance for members who tarnish the good name of the National Police institution," said Head of Public Relations of the Riau Islands Police, Kombes Zahwani Pandra Arsyad in Batam, Wednesday, June 11.

He explained that this case stems from reports from the victim's parents, namely Brigadier General Royjen Siburian (45), a resident of Sagulung, Batam City, who felt aggrieved after being promised the graduation of his son in the 2024 National Police NCO selection.

The chronology of the incident began when the victim was introduced to the suspect through an acquaintance named Indo Tambun, the owner of a coffee shop in the Barelang area.

During the meeting, he said, the suspect GP admitted that he was able to help pass the victim's child to become a member of the National Police as long as the victim handed over some money.

The victim believed in the suspect's promise, then handed over the money in stages, either by transfer or cash, with a total loss of Rp280 million.

The victim transferred money to the suspect from 27 November 2023 to 17 May 2024. The money was handed over in several stages, including transfers to accounts in the suspect's name, and cash submissions.

"However, after the funds were handed over, there was no clarity regarding the graduation process," he said.

In fact, he continued, since the end of September 2024, the suspect could no longer be contacted by the victim. On this basis, the victim then reported to the police.

In addition to arresting the suspect, investigators have secured a number of evidences, including a cell phone, a bundle of BRI bank bank statements, and BNI belonging to the suspect, as well as a test number on behalf of Marriot Syahputra.

Pandra said, from the results of the investigation, it was known that the suspect had received money from three other victims. However, the funds from the three victims have been returned by the suspect.

"The Kapolda affirms its commitment in maintaining institutional integrity, will take firm action against any violations committed by members. There is no room for individuals who abuse their authority," said Pandra.

For his actions, the GT suspect is suspected of violating Article 378 of the Criminal Code regarding fraud and Article 372 of the Criminal Code concerning embezzlement, and the maximum penalty of four years in prison.

Currently, investigators are still conducting further investigations of the suspect in order to reveal the possibility of other victims in similar cases.