Lawyer Bildad Thonak Reported to East Nusa Tenggara Police for Alleged Fraud

Lawyer Bildad Thonak has been reported to the East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) Regional Police over an alleged fraud. The report was filed by former Bank NTT director Izhak Eduard Rihi, accompanied by his legal counsel Fransisco Bessi.

Fransisco stated that he accompanied his client to the NTT Police Headquarters to report the individual, identified by the initials BT, on suspicion of criminal fraud. He explained that the report included five witnesses: Izhak, Paul Adrian Amalo, Yohanis Daniel Rihi, L alias Liwar, and Fransisco himself.

Fransisco alleged that the accused employed a series of deceptions, promising victory at the Supreme Court cassation level. The case stemmed from a civil lawsuit concerning an unlawful act related to the dismissal of the Bank NTT director. The incident began on 24 August 2023, when Bildad was recommended to become Izhak’s additional legal counsel. Bildad allegedly requested Rp 330 million, claiming the funds were needed to coordinate with Supreme Court judges to secure a win. However, the cassation appeal was ultimately lost.

‘So today, it is no longer about the return of the money, but the series of lies that have been protracted,’ Fransisco explained. The Head of the NTT Police Public Relations Division confirmed that the report had been received and met the preliminary evidence requirements.

In response, Bildad Thonak stated that he was ready to face the report and denied the fraud allegations, calling them slanderous. He clarified that the Rp 330 million was a partial payment for legal services from an initial agreement of Rp 500 million, and that the complainant had failed to settle the remaining balance. Bildad added that he had since returned the legal fees to maintain his professional integrity.