"Based on the results of our preliminary investigation the concerned party is not a CIA agent as Gayus had claimed," Defense Minister Purnomo Yusgiantoro said following a limited cabinet meeting led by Vice President Boediono here on Thursday.
After all, he said the government would conduct in-depth investigation into Grice`s identity and his link with the Gayus case.
For its part, the government would coordinate with the US Embassy here, he said.
Gayus mentioned US CIA agent John Jerome Grice in his legal case after a court session here on Wednesday.
"John is a CIA agent whose activities are known to members of the Judicial Mafia Eradication Task Force," Gayus said after the court session at the South Jakarta District Court.
On Monday (Jan 17), spokesman for the Indonesian Police Headquarters Chief Commissioner Boy Rafli Amar said the results of investigation conducted by the police suggested that John was listed as a US citizen.
John`s name has been put into the police`s wanted list.
Quoting a number of witnesses, the police said John received US$100,000 in cash from Gayus in return for the passport bearing the name of Sony Laksono.
John who according to his passport was born in California on May 16, 1970 left Indonesia in July 2010. He is believed to stay in one of Asian country.
Gayus was sentenced to seven years for tax evasion and corruption on Wednesday. After the court session Gayus made a statement accusing the task force of having played a big role in the investigation that led to his conviction.(*)
Editor: Aditia Maruli Radja
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