MAKASSAR — A joint police team arrested a woman identified as ALF (34) in Makassar in mid-September 2026. The arrest concluded a three-month investigation into the alleged embezzlement of rental cars. Investigators did not begin this case with complete data; instead, they relied on an initial report filed by the victim. The arrest served as an entry point to a longer investigative stage: proving the series of actions through documents, financial flows, and tracing 21 vehicles scattered across various locations.
Three Months of Building a Path from Report to Arrest
The victim reported the alleged fraud and embezzlement to the Gowa Police on June 4, 2026. The South Sulawesi Police Mobile Brigade Quick Response Unit, alongside the Gowa Police, subsequently apprehended ALF on a Friday evening at a hotel on Monumen Emmy Saelan Street, Makassar, while she was attending a friend’s birthday event. Second Police Inspector Muhammad Abel PM, Sub-unit Head 2 of the South Sulawesi Police Mobile Brigade, confirmed the police action to the press.
The three-month investigative timeframe provided officers with structured operational space to collect and verify data. Officers systematically converted witness testimonies into verifiable legal facts, allowing them to determine the timing and location of the arrest in a measured manner.
Based on preliminary questioning, ALF began renting vehicles in June 2025 under the pretext of supporting the operational kitchen for the Nutritious Free Meal program in Tompobulu District, Gowa, and Barombong Ward, Makassar.
Forged Documents and Suspect Network as Targets of Proof
The case presents a complex scheme. The primary suspect allegedly pawned the rented vehicles to third parties using forged registration books (BPKB) and vehicle registration certificates (STNK).
Investigators outlined the suspected involvement of a broader network, including IF (ALF’s husband at the time) and H, who was tasked with procuring forged vehicle papers at a rate of IDR 13 million to IDR 15 million per set. Another associate, identified as E, allegedly introduced ALF to IR in Bantaeng Regency, who served as the recipient of the pawned vehicles.
ALF initiated the transaction by handing over one vehicle to IR in December 2025, gradually increasing the number to 21 units by April 2026. The pawned fleet included high-value models such as the Mitsubishi Pajero, Toyota Fortuner, Toyota Innova Zenix, Toyota Innova Reborn, and Toyota Avanza, with monthly rental rates set between IDR 13 million and IDR 21 million per unit.
ALF made a single rental payment of IDR 136 million in May 2026 before abruptly terminating all disbursements. Total financial losses incurred by the victim are estimated at IDR 3 billion. Investigators have charged ALF under fraud and embezzlement provisions of the new Criminal Code (Law No. 1 of 2023).
Arrest is Not the End of the Case
The South Sulawesi Police Mobile Brigade Quick Response Unit continues to track down the 21 pawned vehicles to recover the victim’s assets and secure physical evidence.
Investigators are conducting forensic laboratory tests to verify the authenticity of the vehicle papers, clarifying the roles of all named individuals, and tracing the complete financial transactions. This case exemplifies modern, evidence-based criminal investigation. Through this systematic approach, the commitment of #ReserseBekerja is put into practice.
Source: Detikcom, RakyatSulsel
