The Attorney General's Office Investigate Allegations Tom Lembong Received Fees From The Private Regarding Sugar Import Permits

Former Minister of Trade (Mendag) Thomas Trikasih Lembong alias Tom Lembong was detained by the AGO (Ist)

The Attorney General's Office (AGO) is investigating the alleged receipt of fees by the former Minister of Trade (Mendag), Thomas Trikasih Lembong or Tom Lembong, from a private company in a case of suspected corruption in sugar imports.

So far, Tom Lembong has been named a suspect for issuing a sugar import permit to the private sector during a surplus. In fact, based on the rules, only state-owned companies are allowed.

"Well, that's also the part that will be explored later," said the Head of the AGO, Harli Siregar, quoted on Thursday, October 31.

Investigating this matter by examining witnesses and collecting evidence.

Later, the eight companies involved in the alleged sugar corruption case will be the entrance to prove whether or not there is a fee received by Tom Lembong.

"Yes, later it really depends on the information that will be carried out, that's what I mentioned earlier from several parties. For example, from the 8 companies, it's true. He got a profit," said Harli.

The private company is known to have made a profit with an import permit issued by Tom Lembong.

Profits are obtained when there is a national sugar stock fulfillment program. Because, at the coordination meeting held in December 2015, it is predicted that there will be a shortage of 200,000 tons of white crystal sugar in 2016.

The company also took advantage of this moment with various modes. Then, selling sugar to the public at prices above the Highest Retail Price (HET).

In this case, Tom Lembong and CS were charged with Article 2 Paragraph 1 or Article 3 Juncto Article 18 of the Law of the Republic of Indonesia Number 31 of 1999 as amended by Law Number 20 of 2021 Juncto Law of the Republic of Indonesia Number 31 of 1999 concerning Amendments to Law of the Republic of Indonesia Number 31 of 1999 concerning Corruption Crimes Juncto Article 55 Paragraph 1 to 1 of the Criminal Procedure Code.