Police Claims The Extortion Of Canadian Citizens Are Not Members Of The Divhubinter

Karo Penmas, Police Public Relations Division, Brigadier General Ahmad Ramadhan/DOK PHOTO: Rizky Adytia-VOI

JAKARTA - The National Police stated that the two police officers suspected of extorting Canadian Foreign Citizens (WNA), Stephane Gagnon, with the red notice mode not being members of the International Relations Division (Divhubinter). It is emphasized that the National Police has not yet had strong evidence stating the occurrence of a criminal act of extortion.

"So we convey that the information is not true, so there are no Divhubinter personnel who extort extortion," said Karo Penmas, Police Public Relations Division, Brigadier General Ahmad Ramadhan, to reporters, Wednesday, June 7.

So far, according to Ramadhan, no reports have been received by the National Police regarding the alleged extortion by members of the Divhubinter.

However, if there are parties who believe that the extortionist is an individual from the Divhubinter, they are asked to immediately report. So, the problem can be investigated thoroughly.

"No Divhubinter personnel have extorted Canadian citizens. Once again, if there are reports, they will wait, until now there has been no such report," he said.

Examination of the two police officers at this time does not mean directly referring to the perpetrators. However, the move was taken as a follow-up to the information circulating.

Di sisi lain, hasil proses pemeriksaan kedua polisi itu pun belum ditemukan adanya unsur pidana pemerasan. Tapi, pendalam masih terus dilakukan.

"Nothing yet, later if there are developments in the examination or other evidence, we will convey it and including who claims to be this person," said Ramadhan.

Meanwhile, Stephane Gagnon through his attorney admitted to being a victim of extortion by police officers.

The extortion began in February 2023, where SG was visited by an individual with a piece of print with the words red notice Interpol.

At the time of the meeting, the police said SG was included in the Interpol red notice, and would be arrested within 4-6 weeks. During the meeting, the person said he could be helped not to be arrested, on condition that he had to hand over some money.

"SG looked closely at his identity in the red notice, it turned out that it was not SG because his identity was different from the identity written in the red notice. Because he felt his identity was different from the identity in the red notice, SG ignored the person's request," said one of SG's attorneys, Pahrur Dalimunthe.

Some time later, the police returned to SG with several other people to talk about the same thing. Feeling annoyed and wanting not to

again disturbed, at the request of these individuals, SG transferred a sum of Rp750 million, Rp150 million and Rp100 million.

Based on the evidence and information provided by the police, said Pahrur, the money was sent to individuals at the Police Divhubinter and several other police officers.

"The proof of the transfer, conversation and video of these individual actions exists and can be submitted if there is an investigation carried out by the Police and the KPK to take action against these individuals," said Pahrur.

Not long after, the police asked for Rp3 billion, the money was said to be distributed to several parties in the Divhubinter with a note that if the money existed on April 20, 2023, then SG would not be arrested. SG also refused the offer until May 19, 2023, SG was arrested at his residence in the Canggu area, Bali.