HOLOPIS.COM, JAKARTA – Indonesia’s Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) is considering filing money laundering charges against Sukoharjo Regent Etik Suryani as investigators expand a corruption probe involving alleged extortion and illegal gratuities.
“We are considering applying money laundering charges because investigators found indications of concealment, including the use of safe houses and the conversion of assets into foreign currency and gold,” Acting KPK Director of Investigation Achmad Taufik Husein said, Holopis.com reported, Sunday (12/7).
Taufik said investigators believe Suryani attempted to hide assets allegedly obtained through corruption by storing them at two so-called safe houses in Wonogiri and Laweyan, Central Java.
During searches at the two properties, KPK officers discovered safes containing cash in multiple currencies worth billions of rupiah, along with dozens of gold bars.
According to investigators, access to the properties was restricted to people within the regent’s inner circle.
The case stems from a recent KPK sting operation that resulted in the arrest of Suryani, Sukoharjo Regional Financial and Asset Management Agency (BPKAD) Head Richard Tri Handoko, and Regional Secretariat General Affairs Head Tri Mulyo.
All three have been named suspects on allegations of extortion and receiving illegal gratuities.
Investigators allege Suryani collected nearly Rp5 billion through illegal payments from government agencies, including mandatory contributions from incentive payments and routine collections from regional offices.
KPK also suspects additional illicit payments were linked to public procurement projects and the alleged sale of government positions.
According to investigators, some of the proceeds were used to renovate Suryani’s private residence and purchase a Toyota Innova.
Taufik said the possible money laundering charge is also intended to maximize asset recovery, as investigators believe the alleged illicit payments accumulated over several years.
Meanwhile, KPK Deputy for Enforcement and Execution Asep Guntur Rahayu said investigators are also examining the possible involvement of Suryani’s husband, former Sukoharjo Regent Wardoyo Wijaya.
Asep said Wardoyo could be questioned once his health condition allows.
“Anyone found to have been involved in this corruption case will be questioned,” he said.
