Customs Bribery Probe Should Be Broadened While Staying Fact-Based, Says Expert

The investigation into alleged import bribery within the Directorate General of Customs and Excise (DJBC) should be expanded to fully uncover the case’s structure. Trisakti University Criminal Law Lecturer Azmi Syahputra said law enforcement agencies have an opportunity to investigate possible broader patterns in customs service practices. According to him, the investigation should not stop at those allegedly involved in technical roles in the case. ‘This case presents an opportunity for the Prosecutor’s Office or KPK to investigate with coordination and supervision to shed light. Law enforcement must immediately expand the investigation and probe,’ Azmi told reporters on Saturday, 30 May 2026. He said the investigation should focus on money flows, communication patterns, and possible involvement of other parties suspected of roles in the case. Legal instruments such as accomplice charges and money laundering offences can be used to fully uncover those responsible. ‘Law enforcement must trace where the funds ultimately go and include accomplice charges in the suspected case,’ he said. However, Azmi cautioned that all allegations must be tested against evidence and legal facts uncovered during the trial. He stressed that public opinion or terms used in the case cannot automatically be used to conclude someone’s involvement. ‘It is impossible for a bribery code list in an institution as large as Customs to operate smoothly without approval, knowledge, protection, or fund flows upward. But all this must still be proven legally,’ he said. Azmi also highlighted the importance of internal oversight within institutions. He said that if it is proven that positions were used to legitimise the distribution of coded envelopes to certain parties, it would indicate serious flaws in the oversight system. ‘When positions are used to legitimise coded bribery envelopes for high-ranking officials, there is a failure in oversight. It is implausible for a massive cargo bribery logistics system to operate without ’green light’ from the highest authorities,’ he said.