Authorities target financiers behind illegal gold mining in TN Matalawa

Authorities in Sumba Timur are seeking to uncover the financial networks behind illegal gold mining activities within the Manupeu Tanah Daru-Laiwanggi Wanggameti (TN Matalawa) National Park. Agus Mardyanto of the Forestry Law Enforcement (Gakkum Kehutanan) stated that investigators hope the upcoming trial will reveal the identities of financiers and distributors involved in the illicit operations.

Investigators are focusing on tracing money flows to determine the extent of the criminal network. If sufficient evidence of fund transfers and involvement by external parties is found, officials may expand the case to include money laundering charges.