If There Is Preliminary Evidence, The KPK Applies The Article On Money Laundering For The Mayor Of Bekasi, Rahmat Effendi

JAKARTA - The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) does not hesitate to apply the money laundering article (TPPU) against the inactive Bekasi Mayor, Rahmat Effendi, or Pepen. However, the application of this article is certainly based on sufficient preliminary evidence.

"As long as sufficient preliminary evidence is found for the application of all the elements of the articles referred to, we will definitely apply the money laundering offenses article", said KPK Spokesperson for Enforcement Sector, Ali Fikri, to reporters, Monday, January 17.

Ali explained that KPK investigators are currently focusing on the alleged bribery in the procurement of goods and services as well as the auction of positions that ensnared Pepen. However, if the investigation process finds other criminal acts such as money laundering, the KPK will not remain silent.

"So far, the KPK has focused first on investigating cases of alleged corruption in the bribery of suspect RE and his friends regarding the alleged receipt of bribes in the procurement of goods and services as well as the sale and purchase of ASN (State Civil Apparatus) positions", he said.

"If it is found that there are allegations of links to other projects or allegations of other criminal acts, such as money laundering, the KPK will certainly investigate further", Ali added.

The application of additional criminal articles against suspected corruption suspects at the KPK is nothing new. Previously, there were two regional heads, namely the inactive Probolinggo Regent Puput Tantriana Sari and the North Hulu Sungai (HSU) Regent, Abdul Wahid, who had also been charged with money laundering and receiving gratuities.

"Of course (application of the article, ed) because in the process of investigating the bribery case, the KPK later found that there was sufficient initial evidence", said Ali.

As previously reported, the KPK named Rahmat Effendi or Pepen along with eight other people as suspects in alleged bribery in the procurement of goods and services as well as the auction of positions at the Bekasi City Government. get compensation. However, he called the money a mosque donation code.

In addition to the bribes above, the KPK also revealed that Pepen received money related to project management and contract labor at the Bekasi City Government for IDR 30 million. The money was given by the Director of PT MAM Energindo, Ali Amril, and received by the Secretary of the Investment Office and PTSP Bekasi City, M Bunyamin.

Later, he also received some money from employees at the Bekasi City Government in return for their position. However, it did not specify how much money the Golkar Party politician received.

However, the money found from the gifts given by the employees was only IDR 600 million left when the silent operation was carried out. Allegedly, the money already exists which was used in part to meet its operational needs.