The Indonesian National Police have seized seven intercity buses as part of an investigation into alleged money laundering linked to the illegal import of used clothing by a network operating between South Korea and Bali.
The seizure was confirmed by Brigadier General Ade Safri Simanjuntak, Director of Special Economic Crimes at the Criminal Investigation Department, during a press briefing in Denpasar. The buses are suspected to be assets obtained through the proceeds of illegal imports of used clothing and were allegedly used to conceal the origin of those funds.
Laundering Through Transport Business
Police identified one of the suspects as ZT, who is alleged to have laundered money from illegal imports through PT KYM, a company that operates intercity bus services. The buses seized by investigators were operating on the Surabaya–Bandung and Surabaya–Jakarta routes.
“The profits from the sale of illegal goods were used by the suspect ZT to expand the business through PT KYM which is engaged in bus transportation and clothing stores,” said Ade.
Authorities stated that profits from the illegal clothing trade were mixed with revenue from PT KYM, making the funds appear to originate from legitimate transportation activities. The total value of assets seized from ZT is estimated at Rp15 billion, accumulated from 2021 through November 2025.
Rp669 Billion in Five Years
Investigators reported that transactions related to the buying and selling of used clothing reached Rp669 billion over five years. The goods were ordered from South Korean nationals identified by the initials KDS and KIM.
The used clothing was shipped from Malaysia to Indonesia and delivered to warehouses owned by the suspects in Tabanan, Bali. From there, the items were sold to traders in Bali and other regions of Indonesia.
Multiple Suspects and Ongoing Probe
In addition to ZT, another suspect, identified as SB, has been arrested. Both suspects reside in Tabanan and are alleged to have jointly ordered the used clothing from suppliers in South Korea.
Police also stated that profits from the illegal operation were used to purchase land, buildings, cars, and buses. Some financial transactions were allegedly conducted through bank accounts in other individuals’ names to obscure the source of funds further.
Charges Filed
The suspects have been charged under provisions of Law Number 7 of 2014 on Trade and Law Number 8 of 2010 on the Prevention and Eradication of Money Laundering. Police said the investigation and asset tracing process is ongoing.
