Not Only Caught In Bribery Of Alfamidi Development Permit, Ambon Mayor Is Also A Suspect In Money Laundering

JAKARTA - The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has again named the inactive Ambon Mayor Richard Louhenapessy as a suspect. He was charged with the crime of money laundering (TPPU).

The determination of this suspect is an extension of the alleged bribery for the permit to build Alfamidi outlets that ensnared him. Richard allegedly disguised the illicit money he received.

"The KPK investigation team later discovered that there was another suspected criminal act which was allegedly committed while the person concerned was still actively serving as the Mayor of Ambon in the form of money laundering offenses," said Acting KPK Spokesperson for Enforcement Sector Ali Fikri to reporters, Monday, July 4.

It was Richard's way of disguising the money that later made him snared with the ML article. He is suspected of deliberately hiding or disguising property ownership using a certain identity.

However, Ali has not yet detailed what property was allegedly purchased using someone else's name. This is because the collection of evidence against Richard's presumptuous practices is still ongoing.

"Collecting evidence is currently continuing to be carried out by scheduling the summons of witnesses," he said.

The KPK ensures that the allegations of money laundering and bribery that ensnared Richard will continue to be thoroughly investigated. "We will always convey the progress of handling this case to the community," said Ali.

"We hope for community support where if we have information or data related to assets related to this case, we can convey it to the investigative team or through the Call Center 198 service," he continued.

As previously reported, Richard and administrative staff led by the Ambon City Government Andrew Erin Hehanusa (AEH) were named as suspects for receiving bribes in the alleged bribery case related to the licensing principle for the construction of retail branches in 2020 in Ambon City and receiving gratuities.

Meanwhile, the giver of bribes is Amri (AR) from the private sector/employees of Alfamidi Ambon City.

Regarding the construction of the case, the KPK explained that in 2020 Richard, who served as Mayor of Ambon City for the 2017-2022 period, had the authority, one of which was to give approval for the principle permit for the construction of retail branches in Ambon City.

In the processing of the permit, it is suspected that the suspect Amri was actively communicating and held a meeting with Richard so that the permit for the construction of the Alfamidi retail branch could be immediately approved and issued.

Following up on Amri's request, Richard then ordered the Head of PUPR Office of the Ambon City Government to immediately process and issue various permit applications, including a place of business permit (SITU) and a trading business license (SIUP).

For each permit document that was approved and issued, Richard asked for the delivery of money with a minimum nominal value of IDR 25 million using a bank account belonging to Andrew, who was Richard's confidant.

Specifically for the issuance of the approval in principle for the construction of 20 retail outlets, it is suspected that Amri gave Richard back around IDR 500 million in stages through Andrew's bank account.

There are allegations that Richard received a number of funds from various parties as gratuities. The KPK investigation team will continue to investigate this further.