Kapolres Metro of West Jakarta, Kombes Pol Nasriadi with one of the suspects involved in producing counterfeit oil.

progresifjaya.co.id, JAKARTA — The Special Crimes Unit of the Polres Metro of West Jakarta Criminal Investigation Division has uncovered an operation involving the production and distribution of counterfeit oil in the Cengkareng area of ​​West Jakarta.

Three suspects allegedly running this large-scale illegal business were arrested during the operation.

Kapolres Metro of West Jakarta, Kombes Pol Nasriadi—accompanied by Deputy Chief AKBP Rezi Dharmawan, Head of Criminal Investigation AKBP Arfan Zulkan Sipayung, Deputy Head of Criminal Investigation Kompol Raden Dwi Kennardi, and Special Crimes Unit Chief AKP Edi Budi Wibowo—explained the perpetrators’ modus operandi, collecting and purchasing used oil from various locations. They then used specific chemicals to mix the used oil, making it appear clear—like new oil.

“The perpetrators collected and purchased used oil. Then, using their expertise, they transformed the used oil into something that looked like new oil,” said Kombes Pol Nasriadi.

According to him, the used oil—originally pitch-black—was mixed with a thickening chemical called DDN and paraffin, which served to clarify the liquid.

Following this process, the oil became clearer, visually resembling new oil. However, Kombes Pol Nasriadi noted, that this color change did not alter the fundamental quality of the previously used oil.

“Even though the color became clear, the quality remained that of used oil,” Kombes Pol Nasriadi added.

Packaging Designed to Mimic Official Products

The operation went beyond merely processing used oil, the perpetrators also allegedly counterfeited packaging to make the product look like official oil manufactured by well-known companies.

Head of Criminal Investigation, AKBP Arfan Zulkan Sipayung stated, that the perpetrators studied genuine oil packaging on their own. They then produced stickers, caps, and barcodes designed to closely resemble those of the authentic products. 

“He forged the barcodes. He claimed they were from Pertamina and made them look like genuine barcodes, even though they weren’t. He also produced the stickers himself,” said AKBP Arfan.

According to him, all components used to create the product were fabricated or counterfeit. The perpetrator also reportedly did not obtain the Pertamina-labeled drums through official channels.

The used drums used in production were allegedly repainted and refurbished to resemble new product packaging.

“He recovered and repurposed all the items we seized—repainting and processing them—to create something that looks just like the genuine product,” said AKBP Arfan.

Using this method, the processed oil was packaged under a brand well-known to the public and marketed as if it were an official product.

Produced in a Cengkareng Warehouse

AKBP Arfan explained, that the counterfeit oil production took place at a warehouse in the Cengkareng area. Although the warehouse was not particularly large, it was equipped with the necessary machinery to process used oil.

One suspect, identified by the initial Y, is alleged to be the business owner, financier, and mastermind. Y reportedly directed the production process and managed the illegal operation.

Meanwhile, two other suspects—H and K—allegedly assisted in processing the used oil with chemicals to transform it into a liquid that visually resembled new oil.

“So, we have detained three individuals, based on their respective roles,” said AKBP Arfan.

He noted, that the operation had been running since around 2025. During that period, the illegal business reportedly generated a monthly profit of approximately Rp35 million.

Based on investigators’ findings, the total profit gained by the perpetrators throughout the operation is estimated to be close to Rp864 million. (Bembo)