Jayapura – Three police officers have been arrested for stealing cable belonging to gold and copper mining company PT Freeport Indonesia (FI) in Timika, Papua.

"Yes, they stole cable owned by PT FI. Their motive was solely economic. I have ordered their detainment at the Mimika Police precinct," Papua Police chief Insp. Gen. Tito Karnavian said on Sunday. The three officers were arrested on Friday near Mozes Kilangin International Airport, Timika, along with four others.

They were digging up pipeline to strip of its copper when company security officers apprehended them. The four others, whose identities remain unknown, escaped. Two of the officers are members of the Sorong Police while the other officer is a member of the Mimika Police.