9-5-2024 (JAKARTA) In a relentless pursuit of justice, Indonesia’s Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has announced a significant breakthrough in its investigation into alleged money laundering by the former Governor of North Maluku, Abdul Gani Kasuba. The anti-graft watchdog has successfully confiscated assets worth a staggering IDR 15 billion, representing a portion of the suspected ill-gotten gains exceeding IDR 100 billion.
Ali Fikri, the Spokesperson for Enforcement and Institutions at the KPK, revealed that the investigative team remains steadfast in its efforts to trace and seize additional assets belonging to Abdul Gani, which are suspected to have originated from corrupt practices. “Until today, we have received information that the investigative team has only confiscated around IDR 15 billion from this suspect’s assets,” Ali stated in a press briefing on Thursday.
Initially, Abdul Gani found himself embroiled in allegations of bribery, prompting the KPK to launch an extensive probe. However, as the investigation progressed, the anti-corruption agency uncovered sufficient evidence to elevate the charges against the former governor, naming him as a suspect in an alleged money laundering scheme.
Ali underscored the ongoing nature of the investigation, emphasizing the need for investigators to meticulously gather information and evidence to substantiate the elements of the money laundering offence. “Investigators must continue to work to collect information and evidence to fulfill the elements in the Abdul Gani TPPU article,” he affirmed.
Looking ahead, the investigative team remains resolute in its pursuit of Abdul Gani’s assets suspected to have originated from bribery or gratification. Ali urged the public to come forward with any information regarding the former governor’s assets, assuring the protection of those who provide valuable leads.
“The main thing is to report assets related to this, and we guarantee the protection of every person who reports it,” Ali stated, emphasizing the KPK’s commitment to transparency and public cooperation.
Abdul Gani’s legal troubles began in December of the previous year when he was apprehended in a sting operation conducted by the KPK in Jakarta. Both he and his subordinates were subsequently named as suspects in an alleged bribery case involving a road infrastructure development project.
As the investigation progressed, the Corruption Eradication Commission expanded its scope, delving into allegations of corruption within the mining permit sector. This led to Abdul Gani being assigned the status of a money laundering suspect, further compounding the severity of the charges against him.
In a bid to unravel the intricate web of alleged corruption, investigators have summoned two of Abdul Gani’s children, M. Thoriq Kasuba and Nurul Izzah, to provide testimony as witnesses. Currently, the investigation into the alleged bribery case involving Abdul Gani has been completed, paving the way for an impending trial at the Corruption Crime Court.
