KPK Finds Records Of Money Flows Allegedly Related To The Ambon Mayor's Bribery Case

Ambon Mayor Richard Louhenapessy is inactive./DOK VOI-Wardhany Tsa Tsia

JAKARTA - The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has found evidence that is suspected to be related to the bribery case for the permit for the construction of the Alfamidi branch. This case ensnares the inactive Ambon Mayor Richard Louhenapessy.

Acting KPK Spokesperson for Enforcement Ali Fikri said this finding was obtained when investigators conducted a search on Thursday, May 19 yesterday.

"The investigative team has completed carrying out a forced search of several SKPD Ambon City Government and several residences of related parties," Ali said in a written statement, Friday, May 20.

The locations that were searched consisted of the work room of the Head of Service and the secretarial room as well as the staff room of the Ambon City PUPR Service; a number of rooms in the Ambon City Education Office; and several rooms in the Ambon City Inspectorate Office.

In addition, searches were also carried out in several rooms at the Ambon City Office of Investment and One Stop Integrated Services (DPMPTSP); house having its address at Sirimau District, Ambon City; and a house in Nusaniwe District, Ambon City.

"From the several locations referred to, evidence was found and secured, including various project documents to records of money flows and electronic devices which are strongly suspected of having a close relationship with this case," said Ali.

Furthermore, investigators will conduct analysis and confiscation. Not only that, the evidence found during the search will be confirmed with the suspects.

As previously reported, the KPK named Ambon City Mayor Richard Louhenpessy as a suspect for accepting bribes along with his subordinates, the administrative staff of 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.