We can say, we are not worried by Gayus`s allegation that a US citizen was involved in his case. We only want Indonesia to succeed in fighting corruption, we support Indonesia`s efforts to fight corruption
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - John Jerome Grice, an American citizen suspected of involvement in the Gayus Tambunan forged passport case is not a Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) agent, a US diplomat said.

"No, he`s not a CIA agent. Jerome is just an ordinary US citizen who apparently was interested in Gayus` case," said Ted Osius, the deputy chief of mission at the US Embassy in Jakarta, here Friday.

Ted said the US was not disturbed by Gayus`s allegation that an American citizen was involved in the making of the false passport with which he had made several overseas trips while he was supposed to be in jail.

"Well, actually we are not surprised because what Gayus said about Jerome and CIA is not true. Jerome is an individual in whom the US government has no particular interest," he said.

However, he added, the US through its embassy in Jakarta would give Indonesia all the help it could to fight corruption.

"We can say, we are not worried by Gayus`s allegation that a US citizen was involved in his case. We only want Indonesia to succeed in fighting corruption, we support Indonesia`s efforts to fight corruption," he said.

The US diplomat also said the US Embassy was working with Indonesia`s National Police to track down Jerome.

"We have been in touch with the Indonesian government on the case, and the fact is that Indonesia`s corruption problem is something that must being investigated by the Indonesian Police," he said here Friday.

Gayus referred to Jerome after he was sentenced to seven years in jail at the South Jakarta District South on Wednesday (Jan 19).

"John is a CIA agent whose activities are known to members of the Judicial Mafia Eradication Task Force," Gayus said).

Gayus was sentenced to seven years for tax evasion and corruption on Wednesday (19/1) and made a statement accusing the task force of having played a big role in the investigation that led to his arrest.(*)

Editor: Jafar M Sidik
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