KPK Steps In To Investigate Allegations Of Bribery Of PPU Regent Abdul Gafur Mas'ud

KPK Building/Photo: VOI

JAKARTA - The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) continues to investigate allegations of bribery in the procurement of goods and services as well as permits that ensnared the inactive North Penajam Paser Regent Abdul Gafur Mas'ud. The search for evidence is now the attention of investigators to resolve this case.

"The investigative team is focused on collecting evidence to strengthen the elements of the criminal act of accepting bribes from the suspect AGM et al," said Acting Spokesperson for the KPK for Enforcement, Ali Fikri in a written statement quoted Monday, April 24.

Ali said this step was taken to strengthen the alleged bribery committed by Abdul Gafur. He also ensured that all information related to the inappropriate behavior of the inactive regent would continue to be investigated.

So, anyone who knows about Abdul Gafur's alleged bribery can explain to the KPK.

"We will definitely develop any information and data further," he said.

Furthermore, from this effort to find evidence, the KPK also has the opportunity to apply the article on the crime of money laundering (TPPU). However, this application cannot be arbitrary because it must be accompanied by strong evidence.

"If there are indications of elements of other criminal acts, in this case money laundering, it is possible that later it will also be applied as part of efforts to optimize asset recovery," said Ali.

Previously reported, the KPK named Abdul Gafur as a suspect in receiving bribes related to the procurement of goods and services as well as permits in North Penajam Paser Regency.

Apart from Gafur, the KPK has also appointed the Acting Secretary of the North Penajam Paser Regency, Mulyadi; Head of Department of Public Works and Spatial Planning of North Penajam Paser Regency Edi Hasmoro; Head of the North Penajam Paser District Education, Youth, and Sports Office, Jusman; and the General Treasurer of the Balikpapan Democratic Party DPC, Nur Afifah Balqis as a bribe recipient.

Meanwhile, as a suspect for giving bribes, the KPK has named a private party named Achmad Zudi.

Their determination was initiated from a hand-catching operation (OTT) which was held on Wednesday, January 12 in two locations, namely Jakarta and North Kalimantan. From the results of the action, the KPK also confiscated Rp1 billion and Rp447 million in Balqis's account.