Phenomenon of the Corruptor's 'Circle' to Hide Dirty Money
The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has uncovered a phenomenon involving the close associates or ‘circle’ of corrupt individuals who play roles in corruption cases. The KPK states that the corruptor’s ‘circle’ is often involved as intermediaries or in layering activities.
“In various corruption cases handled by the Corruption Eradication Commission, we have observed a pattern of involvement by several ‘circles’ around the main perpetrators,” said KPK spokesperson Budi Prasetyo in a written statement on Tuesday (21/4/2026).
He explained that the corruptor’s circle often acts as intermediaries for receiving money. He added that the circle is frequently exploited to disguise and channel money suspected to be proceeds from corruption cases.
“This circle not only plays a role during the execution of the corruption modus operandi but also often serves as layering for receiving proceeds of corruption crimes, or as a means to disguise and channel money from suspected corruption crimes,” he stated.
Budi noted that the circle of the main corruption perpetrators typically consists of family members, trusted individuals, work colleagues, and even political associates. He said this circle also often serves as a place to hold money.
“Some are involved from the initial planning process, jointly carrying out the acts; others act as ‘layers’ or intermediaries in receiving corruption proceeds, up to parties that help hold or disguise money flows,” Budi explained.
Examples of the ‘Circle’ Phenomenon in Corruption Cases
He then provided examples of the ‘circle’ phenomenon discovered by the KPK in cases involving the Pekalongan Regency, Bekasi Regency, and Tulungagung Regency. In these three cases, he said, the ‘circle’ emerged from family and trusted individuals.
Budi stated that Pekalongan Regent Fadia is suspected of awarding a project tender to a company owned by her family. As for the Bekasi Regency case, Budi said the father of Regent Ade Kuswara Kunang, HM Kunang, is suspected of helping to hold and receive bribery money for project ‘ijon’ from private parties.
“Meanwhile, in Tulungagung Regency, a similar flow was carried out through the circle of work colleagues, involving the Regent’s trusted aide, namely the adjutant or ADC, who was ordered to collect and gather ‘shares’ from several regional apparatus,” Budi clarified.
Budi said the corruptor’s circle phenomenon was also found in cases involving Cilacap Regency, Ponorogo Regency, Riau Province, up to the importation case at the Directorate General of Customs and Excise.
“This condition shows that corruption is like an ecosystem: there are those who orchestrate, those who execute, and those who store. Public positions no longer stand neutral but often become meeting points for various interests, including as tools for quid pro quo or political financing,” he said.
He mentioned that the KPK continues to detect money flows with support from the PPATK. He noted that the PPATK routinely provides data and analysis results on financial transactions related to ongoing cases.
“This support enables the KPK to map patterns of money movements, identify involved parties, and uncover money flow disguise schemes carried out through various layers,” he stated.