KPK Finds Copies Of Evidence In The Alfamidi Bribery Case Destroyed By Ambon City Government Employees

JAKARTA - The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has found a copy of the alleged bribery document that ensnared the inactive Ambon Mayor Richard Louhenapessy. This evidence was destroyed by an unscrupulous employee in the Ambon City Government (Pemkot).

"(Documents, ed) which were intentionally destroyed by unscrupulous individuals are meant to be obtained from other places," Acting KPK Spokesperson for Enforcement Affairs Ali Fikri told reporters, Tuesday, May 24.

Ali said the document is currently being analysed. Meanwhile, regarding the employee who destroyed the document, the KPK has not yet determined his fate.

The reason is that investigators from the anti-corruption commission are currently focusing on dealing with allegations of bribery and gratification, which are allegedly related to the principle licensing of the Alfamidi branch in Ambon City.

"So far, we have focused on completing the evidence for the suspect RL et al," he said.

The KPK, continued Ali, will continue to investigate the alleged bribery and gratification that ensnared Richard. The summons of witnesses will be carried out soon.

"Currently, we have scheduled the examination of witnesses. For this reason, we remind those who were called as witnesses to be cooperative and present and explain honestly in front of the investigative team," said Ali.

It was previously reported that an employee at the Ambon City Government was found destroying files allegedly related to the alleged bribery in the licensing principle for the construction of Alfamidi outlets in Ambon City.

The employee claimed to be ordered by his superiors. At that time, the anti-corruption commission investigators immediately secured and examined the unnamed employee. For information, the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has named Ambon City Mayor Richard Louhenpessy as a suspect for accepting bribes along with his subordinates, administrative staff at the Ambon City Government (Pemkot) Andrew Erin Hehanusa.

This bribe was given in connection with the approval for the 2020 Alfamidi minimarket retail branch construction permit in Ambon City. As for the giver, Alfamidi's employee, Amri.

In this case, the anti-corruption commission suspected that Richard had asked for an allotment of Rp. 25 million for each permit he issued. Meanwhile, regarding the construction permit for 20 Alfamidi retail outlets, Richard is suspected of receiving Rp500 million from Amri.

In addition, he is suspected of receiving a flow of funds from several parties as a gratuity. However, the KPK has not stated the number because investigators are still investigating further.