The Facts Of Tom Lembong Suspect In Sugar Import Bribery Case, Former Trade Minister Loses Rp400 Billion Billion In State

Former Minister of Trade in 2015-2016 Tom Lembong at the AGO Building, Tuesday 29 October 2024 (Rizky AP/VOI)

YOGYAKARTA The facts of Tom Lembong, a suspect in the corruption case of sugar imports, can be seen in the following article.

Previously, the Attorney General's Office (AGO) named Thomas Trikasih Lembong (TTL) alias Tom Lembong as a suspect in the sugar import corruption case.

Tom is suspected of committing a criminal act of corruption while serving as Minister of Trade in the 2015-2016 period. He gave permission to import sugar to private companies during a crisis or lack of stock.

The private company in question is PT Perusahaan Perdagangan Indonesia (PPI) (Persero).

Apart from Tom Lembong, the Director of Business Development of PT PPI with the initials CS is also a suspect in the alleged corruption case of sugar imports.

"Against the two people who are suspects because they have fulfilled the evidence that the person concerned has committed a criminal act of corruption, namely TTL who served as Minister of Trade for the 2015-2026 period," said Director of Investigation at the Junior Attorney General for Special Crimes Abdul Qohard at a press conference which took place on Tuesday (29/10/2024) night.

The following is a row of important facts about the sugar import bribery case that ensnared Tom Lembong

Tom Lembong's decision to grant sugar import permits to the private sector is said to have cost the state up to IDR 400 billion.

"That state losses due to sugar importation that are not in accordance with applicable laws, the state loses approximately Rp400 billion," said Qohar, launching VOI.

The granting of import permits to the private sector by Tom Lembong has violated the Decree of the Minister of Trade and Industry Number 527 of 2004.

The regulation explains that only state-owned companies can import sugar. In fact, Tom Lembong issued the import permit at a time when there was no crisis or lack of stock.

The sugar import bribery case that ensnared Tom Lembong has been investigated since October 2023, with the number of witnesses examined around 30 people. This shows the AGO's intensive efforts in uncovering cases that have a major impact on state finances.

Former Trade Minister Thomas Trikasih Lembong is said to have been examined three times as a witness related to the 2015-2016 sugar import alleged corruption case. Until finally Tom Lembong's status was upgraded to a suspect.

Launching VOI, in the last examination as a witness or Tuesday, October 29, 2024, investigators conducted a case title. As a result, sufficient evidence was found to determine Tom Lembong as a suspect.

With the series of examination stages, the AGO emphasized that there was no political element behind the determination of Tom Lembong as a suspect.

When he was escorted to the prisoner's car, Tom Lembong only gave a short response. "I leave everything to God Almighty," the former minister told the media crew.

This is information about the facts of Tom Lembong, a suspect in the salt import bribery case. Get news updates of other options only on VOI.ID.