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The Riau Islands Regional Police showed evidence related to the case of subsidized diesel fuel hoarders in Batam City (ANTARA/Jessica)

The Riau Islands Regional Police (Kepri) has uncovered a case of subsidized diesel fuel hoarders (BBM) in Batam City. A suspect with the initials HM and evidence of 500 liters of diesel were secured.

The Director of Special Criminal Investigation (Dirreskrimsus) of the Riau Islands Police, Kombes Pol Putu Yudha Prawira, explained that the suspect's mode of buying diesel subsidies at gas stations repeatedly by tricking gas station officers using four fake police numbers (nopol).

"Then it is accommodated somewhere, and in one day he succeeds or he can buy 500 liters of subsidy oil, which means half a ton of one day," said Putu in Batam, Riau Islands, Tuesday, February 6, quoted by Antara.

Until now, the police are still investigating and pursuing the owner of the subsidized diesel fuel hoarding warehouse.

"After we raided the warehouse, the warehouse was empty. So at this time we are still chasing who owns this warehouse," he said.

Putu explained that in a day, the perpetrators can buy as much as 250 liters of subsidized diesel.

"Within 30 days he can buy 7,500 liters. Then if multiplied by Rp. 6,800 he sells, it's already Rp. 51 million per day. Meanwhile, he sells at a price difference of Rp. 2,000 per liter multiplied by one day he can get 250 liters, that's his profit," he said.

The articles suspected are article 55 of Law number 22 of 2001 concerning oil and natural gas as amended in Law number 6 of 2023 concerning the stipulation of Law number 2 of 2022 concerning job creation.

In addition, there was also state loss from the results of the examination of the suspect reaching Rp255 million

"Because the subsidized fuel is sold, we are still investigating it to be sold outside, maybe to the industry. However, the warehouse is still being investigated," said Putu.

In this disclosure, the police also secured evidence of a car, four controlling cards for Bukopin Fuel Cards, fake plate and jerry cans.