“In this case, the suspects are charged under Article 12(e), which concerns alleged extortion in the processing of immigration documents, and Article 12B, which pertains to gratuities and other unlawful benefits,” KPK spokesperson Budi Prasetyo said on Thursday.
Both provisions are stipulated in Law No. 31 of 1999 on the Eradication of Corruption Crimes, as amended by Law No. 20 of 2001.
Prasetyo stated that Karim and the seven other suspects would be detained for an initial period of 20 days.
Among those named as suspects are former Acting Director General of Immigration Saffar Muhammad Godam, Head of the West Java Regional Office of the Directorate General of Immigration Jaya Saputra, and Head of the West Jakarta Class I Non-TPI Immigration Office Ronald Arman Abdullah.
On Wednesday, June 3, the KPK confirmed that it had conducted a sting operation (OTT) at the West Jakarta Class I Non-TPI Immigration Office, marking the agency’s 11th sting operation of 2026.
The operation was linked to alleged irregularities in the processing of residence permits for foreign nationals, including Permanent Stay Permits (KITAP) and Limited Stay Permits (KITAS).
During the operation conducted on June 2–3, investigators apprehended 17 individuals, including eight state officials and nine private individuals who allegedly acted as intermediaries in the processing of immigration documents.
The anti-graft agency also seized dozens of vehicles, cash in U.S. dollars and Singapore dollars, as well as precious metals as evidence.
On Thursday, Karim, Saffar Godam, Jaya Saputra, Ronald Arman Abdullah, and four other suspects were formally detained after appearing in the KPK’s signature orange detainee vests.
The KPK said Karim came under investigation because he served as Director General of Immigration from January 2023 to October 2024.
“During his tenure as director general,” Prasetyo said.
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Translator: Rio Feisal, Resinta Sulistiyandari
Editor: Primayanti
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