Honest police turn down bribe

BANJARMASIN, South Kalimantan: Three Syrian tourists detained in Pare Pare, South Sulawesi on suspicion of deception failed to buy their freedom when Banjarmasin Police officers refused to accept their bribe.

The three tourists Alia Ibrahim (43) and her two sons, Fuad Muhamad (20) and Wa'dah A Muhamad (20) were arrested on Thursday for having cheated money changer, PT Haji La Tunrung in Banjarmasin out of Rp 24 million.

Sources said on Friday the three suspects were taken back to Banjarmasin after the police rejected the US$4,000 they offered for their freedom.

Before being taken to Pare Pare Police Station on Tuesday, the three suspects tried to abscond but the police caught them moments later.

The police are still investigating the scam with the help of a translator.--Antara