KPK Seizes Rp1.22 Billion in Cash and 55 Platinum Metal Pieces During Langkat Regent OTT

JAKARTA - The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has seized a number of evidence in a hand-in-hand operation (OTT) that ensnared Langkat Regent Syah Afandin. This finding is suspected to be related to alleged project bribes and other receipts in Langkat Regency, North Sumatra.

Acting Director of Investigation of the KPK, Achmad Taufik Husein, said that the investigation team initially found Rp. 100 million from Syah Afandin's confidants, Syahrial during the silent operation. The money was taken to Binjai.

"Cash amounting to Rp. 100 million was secured from SYH," said Taufik at the KPK's Red and White building, South Jakarta, early Saturday, July 4.

Then, Taufik explained that investigators also seized cash in various currencies with a total value of around IDR 1.22 billion. The evidence consists of Singapore dollars (SGD) 66,950, Malaysian ringgit (RM) 11,518, and rupiah cash of IDR 244.7 million.

Furthermore, the KPK found dozens of platinum metal pieces in the vehicle used by Syah Afandin. "55 pieces of platinum metal with a total weight of approximately 55kg ... further, the authenticity of this evidence will be checked by experts," said Taufik.

Still from the silent operation, investigators blocked two accounts in the name of Syah Afandin with a balance of around Rp2.27 billion.

In addition, the KPK secured a number of electronic evidence and documents that will be analyzed for the purposes of investigation.

The KPK has named Syah Afandin and his team members, Yaqub Abdhal Al Mu'arif as suspects of bribery and gratification related to projects at the Education Office and the Langkat Regency Housing and Residential Area (Perkim) Office.

Syah Afandin was detained at the KPK Red and White Building Branch State Detention House (Rutan). "Meanwhile, Brother YQB was detained at the Medan Police Detention House," explained Taufik.

In this case, Syah Afandin is suspected of violating Article 12 letter a or letter b and/or Article 12B of Law Number 31 of 1999 concerning the Eradication of Corruption as amended by Law Number 20 of 2001.

Meanwhile, Yaqub, as the party suspected of giving bribes, was charged with Article 605 or Article 606 paragraph (1) of Law Number 1 of 2023 concerning the Criminal Code in conjunction with Law Number 1 of 2026 concerning Criminal Adjustment in conjunction with Article 20 letter c of Law Number 1 of 2023 concerning the Criminal Code.