Bogor detective removed from post

BOGOR (JP): Bogor Regional Police chief Col. Edi Darnadi has relieved Bogor City Police chief of detectives Capt. Umar Sumardi of his duties for his improper release of a suspect in a counterfeiting case.

"Umar, who's now a non-job staffer at my office, might face a military tribunal for his wrongdoing," Edi told The Jakarta Post on Thursday.

Edi said Umar was relieved from his post on Tuesday and replaced by Capt. Yugo Sumedi, the chief of North Bogor Police subprecinct.

"Umar was not involved in the counterfeiting case but was responsible for the release of Heri Chaeruddin, 39, a suspect in the case, on Jan. 5 this year," Edi said.

Heri and five other suspects, including a retired Army soldier, were arrested last Thursday by detectives from South Jakarta's Jagakarsa Police. The suspects were arrested for possession of counterfeit Rp 50,000 and Rp 20,000 banknotes totaling some Rp 3 billion.

In Heri's house in Ciomas, Bogor, the Jagakarsa detectives found a printing machine, paper and several other items used to counterfeit banknotes, including a dryer, paints and printing slides.

Umar's release of Heri was disclosed by the suspect himself while he was being interrogated in Jakarta following his recent arrest, Edi said.

He said Umar freed Heri without the permission of his superior officer, the chief of the Bogor City Police.

While being questioned over the release of Heri, Umar said he planned to use the suspect as bait to catch the other suspects, who reportedly had ordered Rp 2 billion in counterfeit bills, according to Edi.

If Umar wanted to use Heri as bait, the suspect should have been carefully watched, he added.

The investigation of Umar by officers from Internal Affairs has been completed and will soon be delivered to the West Java Police Headquarters, Edi said. (21/edt)