Four bankers quizzed over scandal

MEDAN, North Sumatra: Police here questioned four senior executives of Bank Danamon on Monday as witnesses in connection with a bank scandal involving Rp 33 billion (US$3.8 million).

The four -- the Medan branch regional head, Alexis Marjo, operational manager Stevanus and two others from the credit division -- were quizzed for three hours to clarify earlier statements by key suspect Usriadi.

Usriadi, who is the head teller, has admitted to police that some of the Rp 33 billion was stolen in cash and the remainder through bank transfer to five other suspects.

Usriadi told the police the money was transferred to repay the debts of a third party who had lost money in gambling and multi- level marketing.

These five suspects -- Angelia Ika Ang and her husband Hedi Tansil alias Tek Lin, Ridwan alias Ahu, Mahdi, and Wahyu -- are currently in police detention.

Wahyu is reportedly the owner of a trans-Sumatra bus company.

North Sumatra Police chief of detectives Sr. Comr. Satria Hari Prasetya said it was impossible that the transfers could have been made by the head teller without the approval of the bank's four senior executives.

Alexis declined to comment on his alleged role in the scandal, but confirmed he was questioned in connection with Usriadi's admission of guilt. --JP