KPK Investigate Alleged Smart Boss Marsindo Bribe Abdul Gani Kasuba Through Muhaimin Syarif

KPK Investigation Director Asep Guntur (DOK Wardhany Tsa Tsia/VOI)

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) is investigating allegations of giving from businessmen to former North Maluku Governor Abdul Gani Kasuba through the Chairman of the North Maluku Gerindra Party (Malut) DPD Muhaimin Syarif.

This was conveyed by the Director of KPK Investigation Asep Guntur Rahayu in response to a number of trial facts which stated that a number of entrepreneurs gave money to Abdul Gani Kasuba through Muhaimin. Among them, the Director of PT Smart Marsindo, Shanty Alda Natalia.

"So what SA mentioned through MS to AGK, well, we are investigating whether MS was told to bribe into AGK or MS like a broker," Asep told reporters at the KPK ACLC Building, Rasuna Said, South Jakarta, Wednesday, November 6.

Asep ensured that investigators would explore the relationship between Muhaimin Syarif and businessmen who gave money. "Indeed, through MS this is the bribe," he said.

"This is being investigated (with respect, red) MS with these people mentioned earlier," he continued.

Meanwhile, Shanty Alda was questioned by investigators as a witness at the KPK's Red and White Building, Kuningan Persada, South Jakarta on Friday, March 1. He was absent twice, namely on January 29 and Tuesday, February 20, 2024.

Previously reported, the KPK named the inactive North Maluku Governor Abdul Gani Kasuba as a suspect in the alleged crime of money laundering (TPPU). He is suspected of washing up to Rp100 billion.

The determination of this suspect was carried out as the development of the alleged bribery of goods and services procurement projects as well as the granting of permits within the North Maluku Provincial Government. Abdul Gani Kasuba has been sentenced to 8 years in prison in the previous case.

In this case too, the KPK also ensnared Muhaimin Syarif, who is a former chairman of the Gerindra Party DPD and Abdul Gani's confidant. He is currently undergoing trial at the Corruption Court at the Ternate District Court (PN).

Muhaimin was charged with giving bribes to Abdul Gani in the amount of Rp. 4,477,200,000. The money was given several times.

The giving aims to influence Abdul Gani's position in order to provide a number of work packages for the procurement of goods and services in North Maluku to Muhaimin. The time of the incident was called the anti-corruption commission from 2021 to 2023.

This bribe is also intended for the issuance of recommendations or proposals from the governor regarding the application for a mining business permit (WIUP) area in North Maluku from 2021 to 2022.