Embezzled state money retrieved

Embezzled state money retrieved

JAYAPURA, Irian Jaya: The provincial Prosecutor's Office has
recouped Rp 3.2 billion (US$1.3 million) in state money from
corrupt officials over the past year.

The Prosecutor's Office chief, Anthonius Sujata, said local
courts trying graft cases have recovered Rp 3.2 billion from
government officials in Jayapura, Serui, Biak and Merauke.

Merauke holds the record in terms of the amount embezzled. The
embezzlement of Rp 1.9 billion occurred at the Regional
Development Bank.

The authorities have confiscated cars, land, houses, a truck
and Rp 200 million in cash from the prime suspect, Mrs. Wati. The
case is still being tried.

Sujata said the usual modus operandi used by the defendants to
embezzle money was quite "old fashioned": forging signatures and
stamps, Antara reported. (pan)