Interpol issues red notice for Indonesian oil tycoon in US$285 million corruption scandal

Interpol has issued a red notice for the arrest of Mohammad Riza Chalid, a prominent Indonesian oil tycoon, in connection with a significant corruption scandal involving US$285 million. The announcement was made by police on Sunday. Chalid, who is 66 years old and has earned the nickname the “gasoline godfather,” is wanted in Indonesia for his alleged role in corrupt activities at the state-owned oil company Pertamina. These activities reportedly took place between 2018 and 2023. The allegations against Chalid include money laundering and the manipulation of a lease agreement, which are serious charges that highlight the extent of the corruption scandal. Untung Widyatmoko, the secretary of Interpol’s Indonesia National Central Bureau, confirmed the issuance of the red notice, indicating that it is a formal request to law enforcement worldwide to locate and provisionally arrest Chalid, pending extradition. This case underscores ongoing issues of corruption within Indonesia's state-owned enterprises, particularly in the oil sector. The involvement of a high-profile figure like Chalid raises concerns about the integrity of governance and business practices in the country. The red notice serves as a significant step in international law enforcement efforts to address corruption and hold accountable those involved in such activities.