KPK Finds Proof Of Transfer Of Deposits To Labuhanbatu Regent When Searching A Trustee's House

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) found a number of evidences related to the alleged bribery in the procurement of goods and services that ensnared the inactive Labuhanbatu Regent Erik Adtrada Ritonga. The findings were obtained after a search was carried out on Thursday, January 18.

Head of the KPK News Section, Ali Fikri, said that three locations were searched. Among them are the houses of Labuhanbatu Regency DPRD members who are Erik's confidant, Rudi Syahputra Ritonga.

"(A search was carried out at, red) the RSR suspect's private house with the results of a search in the form of a ploting record for the project and deposit fee for the RSR and EAR checks as the Regent and evidence of bank transaction slips," Ali told reporters in a written statement, Friday, January 19.

In addition, electronic evidence was found as well as work data from the Labuhanbatu Regency Government (Pemkab) for the 2021-2023 fiscal year. Investigators obtained this finding from the Labuhanbatu Regent's Office.

Finally, investigators also found records of project placements in Labuhanbatu. Ali did not specify the 20 company stamps in the document.

"(The search was also carried out in, red) private houses related to the case with the results of the search in the form of a ploting note for the work project for the 2023 fiscal year. (There is, red) 20 company stamps used to participate in job tenders at the Labuhanbatu Regency Government," he said.

Previously reported, the KPK named four suspects related to the procurement of goods and services starting from OTT in Labuhanbatu. They are Erik Adtrada Ritonga who is the Regent of Labuhanbatu, Member of the Labuhanbatu Regency DPRD Rudi Syahputra Ritonga, and two private parties namely Efendy Sahputra alias Asiong and Fazar Syahputra alias Abe.

In this case, Erik allegedly appointed Rudi as his right-hand man to make project arrangements whose budget came from the APBD worth Rp1.4 trillion. This process is carried out by determining the contractor unilaterally.

There are two projects that are of concern in this case, namely the improvement of Sei Rakyat-Sei Berombang Street, Central Panai District and Sei Lihat-Sidamakmur Street, Bilah Hilir/District, Panai Hulu District. Rudi, who is Erik's right-hand man, then conveyed a 5-15 percent fee requirement for contractors who want to do work.

Efendy and Fazar then agreed on this and prepared citation money at Erik's direction through Rudi. The handover is made through bank transfers and cash.

The value of the cash received by Erik through Rudi from the two entrepreneurs reached Rp551.5 million. This amount is part of the promised Rp1.7 billion from the fee money.