KPK Reveals 'Angel' Code Used in Silmy Karim's Extortion Case Involving Echelon II Officials and Above
The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has revealed that investigators discovered specific codes used by officials within the Ministry of Immigration and Deportation to facilitate the distribution of illicit funds to high-ranking personnel. Speaking at a press conference at the KPK’s Merah Putih building in South Jakarta on Thursday, the Acting Director of Investigation, Taufik Ahmad Husein, stated that these codes were specifically designed for officials at Echelon II level and above.
Previously, KPK Chairman Setyo Budiyanto disclosed that various codes were employed during the extortion process, ranging from ‘angel’ to ‘vocalist’. Between 2022 and 2026, parties within the Directorate General of Immigration and Deportation received funds through direct payments and complex layering techniques, totalling at least Rp 145.5 billion. These funds were distributed weekly on Fridays, with Silmy Karim reportedly receiving a regular weekly allocation of Rp 100 million.
‘To disguise the distribution of money, the parties responsible for the distribution used specific distribution codes, such as the term ’angel’, which referred to the distribution of funds intended for high-ranking officials within the Directorate General of Immigration and Deportation,’ Setyo explained.
He further noted that other codes were used to differentiate payment amounts, such as terms related to a band concert, where ‘vocalists’, ‘guitarists’, ‘backing vocals’, and ‘choreographers’ represented different recipients and amounts.
The investigation found that the illicit funds were used for personal interests, asset acquisitions, and business ventures, including the establishment of a towing company used to disguise the source of the money. The funds also supported expensive hobbies, such as off-road and trail motorcycling.
Furthermore, the KPK noted that when a separate case involving the RPTKA at the Ministry of Manpower surfaced in 2025, the involved parties allegedly panicked and began withdrawing funds from various accounts held under nominees. These funds were subsequently converted into gold. The commission also seized evidence related to property purchases, noting that unlike standard bank transfers, these transactions were conducted using gold bullion.
Silmy and his accomplices are currently detained by the KPK and face charges of extortion and gratification. Investigators have also seized various pieces of evidence, including foreign currency in US Dollars and Singapore Dollars, precious metals, and several vehicles.