Search for Evidence After OTT, KPK Searches Several Places in Tulungagung

JAKARTA - The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) searched a number of locations in Tulungagung Regency, East Java this week. This forced effort to complete post-operation evidence of the hand-in-hand (OTT) was held last week.

"Yes, this week investigators carried out a gradual search in the Tulungagung area," said KPK spokesman Budi Prasetyo to reporters through his written statement, Thursday, April 16.

Budi did not specify which locations were searched by investigators. "We will continue to update the development and results of the search," he said.

"The search in several locations is needed by investigators to find additional evidence needed in the investigation of the alleged corruption case of extortion in the Tulungagung Regency area," continued Budi.

As previously reported, the KPK named the Regent of Tulungagung Gatut Sunu Wibowo as a suspect in the case of extortion and acceptance of gratification with his aide, Dwi Yoga Ambal. This determination began with a hand-in-hand operation (OTT) carried out on Friday evening, April 10.

In this case, Gatut is suspected of having received money worth Rp2.7 billion from the extortion of a number of regional apparatus organization (OPD) officials of the Tulungagung Regency Government, East Java. This amount is only a portion of the request which reached Rp5 billion.

As for the modus operandi, Gatut allegedly forced the OPD officials who had been inaugurated to sign a statement of willingness to resign from their positions and ASN. However, the letter did not include a date and the copy was not given to the officials who had signed.

The letter is allegedly used as a tool for Gatut Sunu to control and pressure officials to be loyal and obey all his orders. For those who do not comply, they are threatened with being removed from their positions or their status as ASN.

The money obtained was then used to buy shoes, treatment, meals and personal needs. Then, there was also the provision of Christmas allowance (THR) to a number of elements in the Tulungagung Regional Leadership Coordination Forum (Forkopimda).

As a result of his actions, Gatut and his aide, Dwi Yoga, are now languishing in the KPK Detention Center. They are suspected of violating Article 12 letter e or Article 12B of Law Number 31 of 1999 concerning the Eradication of Corruption Crimes as amended by Law Number 20 of 2021 concerning the Eradication of Corruption in conjunction with Article 20 letter c of Law Number 1 of 2023 concerning the Criminal Code.