TimesScope

Interpol has officially issued a Red Notice for Indonesian businessman Mohammad Riza Chalid, escalating a high-profile corruption investigation in Southeast Asia to the international stage. The notice, published on January 23, 2026, places Chalid on the radar of law enforcement agencies in 196 Interpol member countries, effectively making him an international fugitive.

The Red Notice represents a formal request to global law enforcement authorities to locate, provisionally arrest, and facilitate the possible extradition of Chalid, who is wanted by Indonesian authorities in connection with alleged corruption involving the management of crude oil and refinery products at state-owned energy giant PT Pertamina, as well as suspected money laundering offenses.

According to Indonesia’s Attorney General’s Office, Chalid was officially named a suspect in July 2025. He was subsequently placed on Indonesia’s Most Wanted List after repeatedly failing to comply with summonses issued by investigators. His continued absence prompted authorities to seek international assistance through Interpol.

Legal analysts view the issuance of the Red Notice as a significant step that underscores Indonesia’s commitment to combating large-scale corruption and financial crimes, particularly those involving strategic state assets and the energy sector. The move also signals growing cross-border cooperation in addressing transnational financial misconduct.

While a Red Notice is not an international arrest warrant, it substantially restricts a suspect’s mobility, as immigration and law enforcement agencies worldwide may detain the individual pending legal proceedings in the requesting country.

Indonesian officials have stated that they are coordinating with international partners to ensure Chalid’s return to Indonesia to face prosecution. The case is being closely watched by anti-corruption observers and international governance institutions, as it may set a precedent for how emerging economies pursue accountability for alleged financial crimes that extend beyond national borders.