2.4 Tons of Subsidized Solar Fuel Seized in Bengkulu, the Mode of Filling at Gas Stations Using Double Tanks

JAKARTA - Investigators from the Special Criminal Investigation Sub-Directorate (Tipidter) of the Bengkulu Police's Criminal Investigation Unit seized 2.4 tons of subsidized bio-solar fuel from the suspect of fuel abuse with the initials WF, a resident of Manna City, South Bengkulu Regency, Bengkulu Province.

"We are taking this action at the order of the leadership, Mr. Bengkulu Police Chief to suppress acts that violate the law, especially the misuse of fuel transportation," said Head of the Bengkulu Police's Tipidter Sub-Directorate, Kompol Mirza Gunawan in Bengkulu City, Thursday, quoted by Antara.

He said that the arrest and seizure of subsidized fuel were carried out in accordance with the order of the Bengkulu Police Chief, Inspector General of Police Mardiyono in breaking the chain of criminal acts of misuse and transportation of fuel which had disturbed the public, especially vehicle users who consume subsidized government fuel.

The modus operandi carried out by the suspect is to use a solar vehicle to line up, with a double or modified fuel tank and filling is carried out four times a day at the same gas station.

"The suspect repeatedly refuels bio solar fuel, as many as four times a day, using a car with a modified fuel tank and dozens of barcodes. At the arrest, investigators also seized 44 barcodes, along with three vehicles as evidence," he said.

Based on the suspect's confession, he has been carrying out illegal activities in the purchase and resale of bio solar fuel since 2023 due to increasing needs.

For his actions, the suspect was charged with the criminal offense of abuse of transportation and/or trade in pertalite type fuel oil whose provision and distribution are assigned by the government, sentenced to imprisonment for a maximum of six years and a maximum fine of Rp. 60 billion.

As referred to in Law Number 22 of 2001 concerning Oil and Gas Industry, as amended by Law Number 6 of 2023 concerning the enactment of Government Regulation in Lieu of Law Number 2 of 2022 concerning Cipta Kerja, into Law.