New Chapter in Blueray Case: Kediri Customs Chief Named Suspect

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has named Gatot Heroe Hernanda, the head of the Kediri Customs and Excise Supervision and Service Office (KPP), as a suspect in a corruption case. This development is an extension of a bribery and gratification case related to goods importation involving PT Blueray Cargo within the Directorate General of Customs and Excise. Gatot’s status as a suspect was revealed when PT Blueray Cargo owner John Field was questioned as a witness on Wednesday. Field, a convicted individual in the case, confirmed the investigation was for ‘Pak Gatot’ at the KPK’s Red and White building in Jakarta. Acting KPK Director of Investigations Achmad Taufik Husein confirmed the suspect status, stating it was accurate as the individual had been confirmed. During a previous court session, John Field admitted to giving Rp3.2 billion to Gatot Heroe in an envelope coded ‘PGH’. The KPK has also issued two new investigation warrants based on facts that emerged during the trial of Director of Customs Enforcement and Investigation Rizal and others. Court rulings indicated that total payments from Blueray reached Rp91 billion, which the KPK analysed into different clusters, one of which involves customs officials. One of the new warrants has already resulted in a named suspect, while the other is still under investigation. The KPK noted that other individuals are alleged to have received money but have not yet been processed, including the Director General of Customs and Excise, who allegedly received Rp21 billion, and a former head of the Marunda Customs Office, who allegedly received Rp30 billion.