We did not find money in the form of rupiah or foreign currency in one place in the governor's official house but we found it in some places in the room. The money was not arranged but scattered in some of these bagsJakarta (ANTARA) - The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) found money strewn around during a search in the official residence of the non-active Riau Islands Governor, Nurdin Basirun, Friday, July 12. "We did not find money in the form of rupiah or foreign currency in one place in the governor's official house but we found it in some places in the room. The money was not arranged but scattered in some of these bags," said KPK spokesman Febri Diansyah at the KPK building, Jakarta, Tuesday.
Previously, the KPK had found billions of rupiah during a search at Nurdin's official residence with details of IDR3.5 billion, US$33,200 and 134,711 in Singapore dollars (S$).
Billions in cash were also found in backpacks, cardboard boxes, plastic bags and "paper bags" totally numbering 13 in Nurdin's room.
The KPK suspects that the money was gratuity originating from parties who have relations with Nurdin's position and authority as state administrators, one of which was related to principal permits and sea utilization locations, reclamation projects in coastal areas, and small islands of Riau Islands in 2018 / 2019.
"So, only in the position of being a civil servant or state organizer, the provisions of the gratification article can be applied, which we cover. There are some that have been identified, for example, related to the licensing process or other matters," Febri said.
In addition, the KPK is also studying documents and other evidence obtained during the search some time ago, he said.
"So, besides finding cash, we also found and confiscated several documents," he stated.
In addition to Nurdin's official residence, the KPK has also searched three other locations, namely the Riau Islands Governor's office, the Riau Islands Marine and Fisheries Service Office, and the Head Office of the Riau Fisheries and Fisheries Department.
In the search, documents related to licensing were confiscated.
The KPK on Thursday, July 11, named four suspects, namely the Governor of Riau Islands 2016-2021 Nurdin Basirun (NBA), Head of the Riau Islands Provincial Maritime and Fisheries Service Edy Sofyan (EDS), Head of Capture Fisheries Division of the Riau Provincial Marine and Fisheries Service Budi Hartono (BUH), and Abu Bakar (ABK) from the private sector.
Besides, the KPK also named Nurdin as a suspect in the recipient of gratuities related to his position.
With regard to the bribery cases, Nurdin allegedly received S$11 thousand and Rp45 million related to principle permit bribes and sea use locations, reclamation projects in the coastal areas and small islands of Riau Islands in 2018/2019.
Nurdin received money from Abu Bakar both directly and through Edy Sofyan on several occasions.
The details received by Nurdin, namely on May 30, 2019 amounting to S$5,000 and Rp45 million. Then on May 31, 2019 a principle reclamation permit was issued for Abu Bakar for an area of 10.2 hectares.
On July 10, 2019, Abu Bakar paid Nurdin an additional S$6,000 through Budi Hartono.
In regard to the gratuities, the KPK team secured cash from a bag at Nurdin's official house with S$43,942 in total, US$5,303, €5, 407 Malaysian ringgit, 500 riyals, and Rp132,610,000.
As a party suspected of being a recipient of bribes and gratuities, Nurdin is accused of violating Article 12 letter a or letter b or Article 11 and Article 12 B of Law Number 31 of 1999 as amended by Law Number 20 of 2001 concerning the Eradication of Corruption in juncto Article 55 paragraph (1) 1st Criminal Code.
Furthermore, as a party suspected of being the recipient of Edy and Budi's bribe, it is alleged that he violated Article 12 letter a or letter b or Article 11, Law Number 31, year 1999, as amended by Act Number 20 of 2001 concerning Eradication of Corruption Crimes in conjunction with Article 55 paragraph (1) 1st of the Criminal Code.
As a party suspected of favoring Abu Bakr it was alleged that he violated Article 5 paragraph (1) letter a or letter b or Article 13 of Law Number 31 of 1999 as amended by Law Number 20 of 2001 concerning Eradication of Criminal Acts of Corruption in conjunction with Article 55 paragraph (1) 1st of the Criminal Code.
Related news: KPK arrests Riau Islands Governor Nurdin Basirun
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Translator: Bernady/Eliswan Azly
Editor: Suharto
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