Gowa Police Arrest 15 Suspects In Counterfeit Money Case At UIN Makassar

Gowa Police Chief AKBP Reonald TS Simanjuntak (ANTARA)

GOWA Gowa Police Chief AKBP Reonald TS Simanjuntak finally gave information regarding the arrest of 15 suspects in the case of counterfeit money allegedly involving unscrupulous employees of the State Islamic University (UIN) Alauddin Makassar, Gowa Regency, South Sulawesi.

"Currently, we have arrested 15 suspects. Nine people have been detained, five are on their way from Mamuju, and one is from Wajo," said Reonald when giving a press statement quoted by ANTARA, Tuesday, December 17.

He emphasized that the investigation of this case is still being developed, and it is possible that there are additional suspects involved in the production and circulation of counterfeit money.

Reonald revealed that this case was successfully revealed thanks to the solid teamwork and the use of scientific investigation technology. It also involves a number of institutions such as Labfor, Bank Indonesia, BRI, and BNI.

"One of the evidences is a fake money printing machine that we found on campus. This case was revealed through joint investigation with the support of the university," he said.

The disclosure of this case, he continued, began with a transaction of Rp. 500 thousand using counterfeit money in Pallangga, Gowa, in early December 2024. From the report, the investigation found counterfeit money worth Rp. 500 thousand, which then developed until counterfeit money was found worth Rp. 446.7 million.

According to Reonald, the police found about 100 types of evidence on one of the campuses. However, when asked about the alleged involvement of UIN Alauddin professor, he was reluctant to provide further answers.

"We must prioritize the principle of presumption of innocence. If there is evidence of someone's involvement, then his status will be immediately upgraded to become a suspect. We don't want to be reckless," he said.

Reonald asked all parties to be patient until the investigation was complete. He added that the results of the development of this case will soon be re-released at the South Sulawesi Regional Police.