KPK Investigate Extortion Deposit Account From Former PPU Regent Abdul Gafur And 5 Other Witnesses

JAKARTA - The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) examined six witnesses regarding the alleged illegal levies (extortion) of the Detention Center (Rutan) in their environment. One of them, the former Governor of Penajam Paser Utara Abdul Gafur Mas'ud who was once a prisoner.

Head of the KPK News Section Ali Fikri said the witnesses were questioned on Tuesday, May 14. about the deposit that was accommodated in the account. It is suspected that the confidant of the Head of the KPK Detention Center (Karutan) Achmad Fauzi who manages the extortion practice money.

"Witnesses were present and confirmed, among others, related to the alleged use of bank accounts from certain parties who are closest people to the suspect AF et al to accommodate money deposits from detainees at the KPK branch detention center," Ali said in a written statement, Thursday, May 16.

In addition, the former detainee was also questioned about the handover of the prison extortion money. Those examined other than Abdul Gafur, namely La Ode Muhammad Syukur Akbar; Yuris Boy; Armadyah; Sukirman; and Harid Yan Nugraha.

"Including the deepening of the examination material regarding the way of handing over and depositing money for the suspect AF et al," said Ali.

Previously reported, there were 15 people who were suspected of extortion in the KPK detention center. They include the Head of the KPK Detention Center Achmad Fauzi, former Acting KPK Karutan Deden Rochendi and Ristanta, and Hengki who are ex-Kamtib Detention Centers.

The suspects allegedly managed to collect up to Rp6.3 billion for four years starting 2019-2023. The money was obtained from detainees in corruption cases with a variety of between Rp300 thousand to Rp20 million. The handover is carried out directly or through a holding bank account controlled by the lurah and corting.

Prisoners then get exclusive facilities after giving money. One of them can use a cellphone or power bank.

Meanwhile, those who do not pay or are late in depositing receive uncomfortable treatment. Among them, the detention room is locked from the outside, violations and reductions in sports rations, and gets a guard quota and more hygiene pickets.

Then, the anti-corruption commission also imposed disciplinary penalties on employees involved. A total of 66 people were fired after receiving a decree.