RI company implicated in ivory smuggling case

Sat, March 02 2013 (sumber : The Jakarta Post)

Batam Custom and Excise office will continue its investigation into a company implicated in an ivory smuggling operation following a raid in Mombasa, Kenya in January.

The raid, conducted by Kenyan authorities in mid January, had exposed the smuggling attempt. It is alleged that as many as 638 ivories, which weigh roughly 2 tons and have a street value of Rp 12 billion (US$1.24 million), were destined for the archipelago. An Indonesian company, PT Kundur Prima Karya, was registered to receive the shipment.

Batam Customs and Excise’ investigation head Kunto Prasti Trenggono said his office would continue to monitor the company to investigate its involvement in the questionable activities.

“We heard about the raid but could not do anything because Batam’s Free Trade Zone (FTZ) status wouldn’t allow us to conduct a physical examination of all cargo. However, my office will investigate these allegations,” he said on Friday

When asked about the allegations, PT Kundur Prima Karya’s director Linda Lau, on behalf of her company, denied any involved in the alleged smuggling activities. Linda admitted she was surprised that journalists were privy to such information.

“I have been questioned by the Trade Ministry and the Customs and Excise directorate general about this with the promise that this matter wouldn’t find its way to the press. I cannot accept criminal accusations and I will seek legal action if that is the case,” she said.(dic)