Cop nabbed for alleged blackmail

JAKARTA: A policeman was captured by detectives for allegedly blackmailing a drug user.

Central Jakarta Police chief of detectives Comr. Angesta Romano Yoyol confirmed the arrest.

"The policeman has been under arrest since Monday. He is a low-ranking member with the Menteng Police," he said.

Police sources said the policeman, identified as Saut Siagian, was apprehended by detectives of the National Security division of Jakarta Police Headquarters after the drug user filed a report.

The drug user, who was arrested earlier at a cafe in a plush hotel in Pasar Baru, Central Jakarta, told police that the officer had asked for Rp 10 million (US$1,183) to suspend his arrest.

Menteng Police chief Comr. Syahardiantono denied that a subordinate of his had been arrested.

"I have no subordinate called Saut Siagian. We have Saut Hutabarat and Marulak Siagian. But they are still here and working as normal," he told reporters. -- JP