KPK Searches 15 Locations in Pemalang Regent Extortion Case
The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has searched 15 locations related to the extortion case involving the suspended Regent of Pemalang, Anom Widiyantoro. The searches were conducted last week.
KPK spokesperson Budi Prasetyo stated that the searches took place from Wednesday, 5 August, to Saturday, 8 August. The locations included ten houses in Pemalang, two houses in Tegal, two houses in Pekalongan, and one house in Semarang.
“From Wednesday to Saturday, investigators conducted a series of searches at fifteen houses of parties suspected to be connected to the case,” Budi Prasetyo said on Sunday (9/8).
During the searches, KPK investigators seized a number of documents. They also secured CCTV footage from a hotel in Magelang.
“Investigators seized several documents, including those related to projects being and to be carried out at the Pemalang Regency Public Works and Spatial Planning Office, as well as electronic evidence in the form of mobile phones and electronic files,” he added.
“In addition, the investigation team also seized CCTV recordings from a hotel located in Magelang.”
The KPK had previously named Anom as a suspect in the extortion case following a sting operation. During the operation, the KPK arrested the regent and seized evidence totalling IDR 2.7 billion.
“This is a series of events; the regent was secured at a hotel in Jakarta,” said Acting Director of KPK Investigation Achmad Taufik Husein during a press conference in Jakarta on Thursday (30/7).
The seized evidence included IDR 300 million in cash at the house of Mohamad Haris, IDR 80 million in cash at a ‘media house’, and a bank book under Mohamad Haris’s name containing IDR 670 million, which has since been withdrawn and secured by the KPK. A suitcase containing IDR 451 million in cash was also found in the regent’s car in Jakarta.
The KPK is also exploring the possibility of developing the case into a gratification charge, after finding additional money in the regent’s vehicle.