Officer detained for stealing $10,000

JAKARTA (JP): A police officer has been detained and questioned by the internal affairs unit for allegedly stealing US$10,000 from his superior, a police source said yesterday.

The officer, identified as First Sgt. Adi, is the driver for the head of National Police Directorate of Traffic Police, Brig. Gen. Ansyar Roem.

"Ansyar has accused Adi of stealing the money which he put in his official car," the source, who asked for anonymity, said.

"Ansyar said that Adi was the only person, beside Ansyar himself, who had access to the car."

The source said Ansyar noticed that the money was missing on Jan. 28.

He quoted Ansyar as saying that the money was supposed to be exchanged for rupiah as part of the Love Rupiah drive.

Adi was questioned at the internal affairs unit at National Police Headquarters before being taken to city police headquarters Monday, he said.

The source said Adi had pleaded not guilty.

"Adi said that he did not steal the money. He said Ansyar has jumped to (incorrect) conclusions."

No one from the unit could explain whether the money belonged to the directorate or to Ansyar. (cst)