Navy wannabe caught red-handed

The Jakarta Post ,  Jakarta   |  Mon, 07/10/2006 5:07 PM  |  Jakarta

The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

Friday was definitely the wrong day for Navy officer wannabe Dedi Reyaldi to be lazing around at the home of his first wife in Gading Serpong, Tangerang.

The Naval Military Police arrested the phony major who has been operating since 1999, confiscating a pistol, 45 bullets and several vehicles bearing Navy plate numbers, a statement from the Navy Information Agency said.

Antara reported the investigation that led the to arrest began after several locals reported the ""suspicious behavior"" of a Navy officer to Navy Military Police head Brig. Gen. Sapardi.

A task force later formed three separate teams to spy on Dedi's activities in the residences of his first and second wives in Gading Serpong, Tangerang and Sunter Agung, North Jakarta respectively. They also monitored his movements at a commodity traders office in Gading Tiga.

The investigation revealed that Dedi had been posing as a Navy officer to further his business.

At his first wife's house, military police confiscated a Navy field uniform, identity card and a Czechoslovakian-made browning gun and 45 bullets.

Expensive vehicles painted gray with special Navy license plates were also found at the house.

In two other places, the team found pictures of the suspect in Navy uniform and holding a Russian-made hand grenade.

Dedi's operation was assisted by a real Navy officer, First Sgt. Imron, who has already been arrested.

The police are also questioning Kristian Lais, a witness who worked as the suspect's driver.

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