Indonesia busts illegal import of RM6.85m aircraft engines from Singapore

Indonesian authorities have apprehended four individuals involved in the illicit importation of three used turbofan aircraft engines worth approximately RM6.85 million from Singapore to Batam, part of the Riau Islands province. Senior Commissioner Nona Pricillia Ohei of the Riau Islands police public relations division disclosed that the suspects were seized on August 14 after receiving intelligence about the unauthorized entry of used goods from abroad.

The modus operandi reportedly entailed smuggling the engines into Batam without adhering to the necessary import paperwork and regulations. In addition to the engines, police apprehended relevant import documents. Further probing revealed that the engines had been present in Batam for around seven months prior to their discovery while being transported between storage facilities, according to Indonesian news agency Antara.

Investigative documents suggested that the engines were intended for Jakarta, with the ultimate purpose of serving as aircraft spare parts. The four suspects are now facing potential imprisonment for up to five years and a maximum fine of Rp5 million (RM1.14 million) under Indonesia's trade statutes.