Investigating Allegations Of Money Laundering Ambon Mayor Richard Louhenapessy, KPK Searches For Undercover Assets

Illustration of the KPK Building in South Jakarta. (Between)a

JAKARTA - The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has examined four witnesses to investigate allegations of money laundering by the inactive Ambon Mayor Richard Louhenapessy. Investigators are focused on looking for undercover assets.

The examination of the four witnesses was carried out on Wednesday, July 6 yesterday. Those being investigated were two entrepreneurs, Shinta Mangkoedidjojo and Patrick Alexander Hehuwat, staff of Ambon City Perkim Olla Ruipassa, and private party Fahri Anwar.

"The investigation is related to the alleged receipt of money by RL (Richard Louhenapessy) as the mayor of Ambon and the search for assets to prove the alleged crime of money laundering," said Acting KPK Spokesperson for Enforcement Sector Ali Fikri to reporters, Thursday, July 7.

The KPK has named Richard Louhenapessy as a suspect in the alleged crime of money laundering (TPPU). He is suspected of disguising the proceeds of bribery in the form of assets in someone else's name.

In addition to the alleged money laundering, Richard and administrative staff led by the Ambon City Government Andrew Erin Hehanusa (AEH) were named suspects as bribe recipients in the alleged bribery case related to the principle licensing of retail branch construction in 2020 in Ambon City and receipt of gratuities.

Meanwhile, as 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 Rp. 25 million using a bank account belonging to Andrew, who was Richard's confidant.

As for the issuance of approval in principle for the construction of 20 Alfamidi outlets, it is suspected that Richard received Rp500 million from Amri through Andrew's bank account. In addition, Richard is also suspected of receiving a number of funds from various parties as gratuities.