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)