Cops probed over illegal logging

JAKARTA: Four middle-ranking officers of the Papua Police are being investigated for their alleged roles in supporting illegal logging activities in the province.

Spokesman for the National Police Insp. Gen. Aryanto Boedihardjo said on Wednesday the officers allegedly took bribes from several financial backers in Papua to help facilitate their illegal logging activities.

The police personnel have been identified as Sr. Comr. STM, Sr. Comr. SLM, Comr. MR and Adj. Sr. Comr. ED.

"With the help of the central bank, we're currently examining their bank accounts to check whether there are any suspicious transfers to the accounts," Aryanto said.

Police have arrested 69 suspects -- nine of whom are Malaysian nationals -- and seized 326,058 cubic meters of logs and 7,235 cubic meters of processed timber along with 727 units of heavy weight equipment, four barges and eight tugboats during their anti-illegal logging operation in Papua. -- JP