Scam Uncovered: Substandard Rice from Festivities Repurposed and Branded as Premium in Serang
UncategorizedA Decade of Deception Unveiled
Authorities in Serang, Banten, have exposed a long-running food fraud operation involving a rice mill owner, known by the initials SU (46), who allegedly mixed low-quality leftover rice—often infested and unfit for consumption—with premium-grade rice before presenting it as reputable brands.
The scam reportedly took place at SU’s milling facility in Pamarayan District, Serang. It involved acquiring leftover ceremonial rice from local residents for just Rp 10,000 per kilogram, then processing and repackaging it to deceive buyers.
The Illicit Process
- Purchase of substandard rice: SU purchased old, insect-ridden rice—often left over from events like weddings or celebrations—from villagers at a cheaply discounted rate.
- Refurbishment: Using a mechanized grinder—known as a heller—the rice was polished and blended with higher-quality grains to mask its inferior condition.
- Deceptive packaging: The processed rice was then packed into sacks labeled with well-known brand names like Ramos, Rojo Lele, and others—none of which had authorized the use of their labels.
Distribution and Profit
The counterfeit bags—each weighing 25 kg—were sold at Rp 200,000 each at SU’s store in Bandung Village, Serang Regency. The margin was staggering: approximately Rp 98,200 profit per sack.
Law Enforcement Response
During a raid, authorities confiscated:
- 10 tons of substandard rice unfit for consumption.
- 94 sacks of repackaged, ready-to-sell rice.
- Hundreds of empty branded sacks.
- One heller machine and one pickup truck used for operations.
The deception reportedly ran for over 10 years, prompting serious concerns over food safety and consumer protection.
Warnings to the Public
Police urge consumers to be vigilant and scrutinize their rice purchases carefully. If you observe suspicious activities, you’re encouraged to report them to the authorities—call the emergency line at 110.
Summary Table
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Pamarayan District, Serang Regency, Banten |
| Perpetrator | SU, 46, rice mill owner |
| Method | Mixing leftover rice with premium rice using a grinder; rebranding with premium sack labels |
| Brands Used Without Authorization | Ramos, Rojo Lele, others |
| Profit Margin | ~Rp 98,200 per 25 kg sack |
| Duration | Over 10 years |
| Confiscated Items | 10 tons of unfit rice, 94 sacks of finished goods, bags, grinder, truck |
| Public Advisory | Verify rice quality and report suspicious sales to 110 |