Cops probed over illegal logging

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