Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) Opportunity To Snare Bekasi Mayor Rahmat Effendi With Money Laundering Crime

JAKARTA - The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) opens an opportunity to apply the money laundering article (TPPU) against the inactive Bekasi Mayor Rahmat Effendi or Pepen. Moreover, the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) found assets that were allegedly not by their income.

"We will continue to develop irrational assets because we are still developing", KPK Deputy Chair Nurul Ghufron told reporters, Tuesday, January 11.

Even so, Ghufron did not specify what assets did not match Pepen's income. Because the KPK is still looking for the treasure.

Meanwhile, the Deputy for Enforcement and Execution of the Corruption Eradication Commission, Karyoto, said that his party requested the assistance of the Transaction Reports and Analysis Center (PPATK) to investigate the alleged money laundering. It is hoped that with the help of PPATK it will be easier for the KPK to take the next step.

"Later on, of course (findings, red) PPATK will also be taken into consideration as well. Will we find the money laundering offenses later or not", said Karyoto on the same occasion.

Karyoto also said that his party was following up on all allegations of corruption by Pepen. Moreover, the determination of Pepen as a suspect in receiving bribes is an entry point to investigate other inappropriate practices that he carried out during his tenure.

"This door is already open, we just have to find out if there are other significant acts of corruption", he said.

As previously reported, the KPK has named Rahmat Effendi or Pepen along with eight other people as suspects in the alleged bribery in the procurement of goods and services as well as the auction of positions in the Bekasi City Government.

Pepen with M. Bunyamin who is the Secretary of the Investment Office and PTSP Bekasi City; Head of Jati Sari Village, Mulyadi alias Bayong; Jatisampurna Sub-district Head, Wahyudin; and the Head of the Bekasi City Housing, Settlement and Land Office, Jumhana Lutfi, were named as bribe recipients.

Meanwhile, the Director of PT MAM Energindo, Ali Amril; a private company named Lai Bui Min; Director of PT Kota Bintang Rayatri, Suryadi; and the sub-district head of Rawa Lumbu, Makhfud Saifudin, was named the bribe giver.

As recipients of bribes, Pepen and four other people are suspected of violating Article 5 paragraph (1) letter a or Article 5 paragraph (1) letter b or Article 13 of Law Number 31 of 1999 concerning the Eradication of Corruption Crimes as amended by Law Number 20 of 2001 concerning Amendments to Law Number 31 of 1999 concerning Eradication of Criminal Acts of Corruption in conjunction with Article 55 paragraph (1) to 1 of the Criminal Code.

Meanwhile, the givers are suspected of violating Article 12 letter a or Article 12 letter b or Article 11 and Article 12 letter f and Article 12B of Law Number 31 of 1999 concerning Eradication of Criminal Acts of Corruption as amended by Law Number 20 of 2001 concerning Amendment On Law Number 31 of 1999 concerning Eradication of Criminal Acts of Corruption in conjunction with Article 55 paragraph 1 to 1 of the Criminal Code.