Forced Picked Up By KPK, Former Minister Of Agriculture SYL's Hand Was Handcuffed

JAKARTA - Former Minister of Agriculture (Mentan) Syahrul Yasin Limpo was forcibly picked up by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) tonight.

He was seen handcuffed when he arrived at the KPK's Red and White building, Kuningan Persada, South Jakarta at 19.15 WIB, Thursday, October 12, In addition, Syahrul was seen covering his face with a white mask and hat.

Head of the KPK News Section Ali Fikri is still silent regarding this forced attempt. However, information circulated that Syahru was picked up from a location in the Jakarta area.

Previously, Syahrul confirmed that he would fulfill the summons of the anti-corruption commission investigators on Friday, October 13. He stated that he was ready to undergo the legal process of the Ministry of Agriculture (Kementan) corruption case.

The KPK has announced Syahrul and two of his subordinates, Secretary General of the Ministry of Agriculture Kasdi Subagyono and Director of Agricultural Equipment of the Ministry of Agriculture Muhammad Hatta as suspects on Wednesday, October 11. All three were involved in alleged extortion and gratuities.

In this case, Syahrul through his two subordinates was suspected of extorting his employees by requiring to pay the deposit every month. The nominal varies between 4,000-10,000 United States dollars.

It is believed that the money collected does not only come from the realization of the Ministry of Agriculture's budget inflated or mark-ups but from vendors working on projects. The money is given in cash, transfers or goods.