Makassar. Police in Indonesia’s South Sulawesi province have seized a tanker vessel, two self-propelled barges, and seven fuel tanker trucks linked to an alleged illegal distribution network that transported hundreds of thousands of liters of subsidized fuel, following a three-month investigation.

The vessels and trucks were allegedly used to transport subsidized diesel fuel from Sulawesi to Kalimantan without the required permits, South Sulawesi Police Chief Djuhandhani Rahardjo Puro said at Makassar Port on Tuesday.

Investigators are also examining the role of a tanker, MT Bakti 1, which is suspected of transporting approximately 700,000 liters of subsidized fuel without authorization.

However, by the time authorities located the vessel, its cargo had already been unloaded in Central Kalimantan, Djuhandhani said.

The tanker was found on April 18 in waters off Pulang Pisau Regency in Central Kalimantan in a damaged condition.

According to investigators, authorities uncovered evidence of document manipulation involving shipping invoices.

“Officers found indications of invoice document manipulation. Initially, the invoice listed only 30 kiloliters. However, after verification in Central Kalimantan, the vessel carrying the same registration number had altered the documentation to show 700 kiloliters,” Djuhandhani said.

The investigation began on Feb. 26, when police intercepted seven tanker trucks transporting fuel without proper permits.

Authorities have named seven individuals as suspects in the case, while four others remain at large and have been placed on a wanted list.

Police also seized 120,000 liters of diesel fuel as evidence.

The suspects have been charged under Indonesia’s Oil and Gas Law No. 22/2001, which carries a maximum penalty of six years in prison and a fine of up to Rp 60 billion, according to Djuhandhani.

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