Police continue investigation into tax scams

JAKARTA (JP): The city police continued on Monday investigating taxation scams totaling billions of rupiah by looking into the ownership of a luxurious house, which they believe was bought with money misappropriated by one of the suspects.

Jakarta Police detective chief Col. Alex Bambang Riatmodjo, accompanied by head of the general crimes unit Lt. Col. Abdullah, visited the house on Jl. Kembang Harum in Puri Indah housing complex in West Jakarta.

It is believed the Rp 5 billion house belongs to a clerk at the University of Indonesia's Management Education Institute, Ismail, who is a suspect in tax scams at national flag carrier Garuda Indonesia and telecommunications company PT Telkomsel.

It is believed that the same people are involved in tax scams at the two companies.

A preliminary investigation has revealed that Ismail's bank account was used to deposit money from Garuda and Telkomsel. The money was supposed to be transferred to the taxation office.

"If it is later proven that the house was bought with money amassed from the misdeeds, we'll proceed to the local court to issue a letter for the seizure of the house as evidence," Alex told reporters at the house.

Ismail is reportedly in Mecca on pilgrimage with one of his sons.

Deni Ramdani, Ismail's other son, told the police the three- story house, which has marble floors and opulent decor, was bought early this month before his father left for Mecca.

"My father is a penny-pincher ... he only spends money for useful but cheap goods. I myself was surprised when he bought this house," Deni, who works at an automotive workshop, said.

Deni also said that besides the house, his father also bought a brand new Mercedes Benz sedan.

"The car is not here. Our driver escorted my mother out of town," said Deni, who said he had no idea where his father got the money.

The house is being minded by Ismail's brother-in-law and his family, who told the police they arrived from West Java three days ago.

While police officers were busy checking the house, Deni and his relatives talked about their immediate plans. "I think we have to move back to our old house," Deni was heard saying.

Deni was referring to his family house in the DPR housing complex in Kemanggisan, West Jakarta.

Besides Ismail, police are seeking the whereabouts of four other suspects, identified as Asep, Toni, Cepi and Muhlis.

Police have detained and questioned 14 people for alleged involvement in the two scams.

Alex hinted that witnesses led him to believe that similar taxation scams could have occurred in insurance company PT Federal International Finance and PT Agintara.

"We haven't checked the information, but we'll soon look into the two companies," Alex said.

A few hours earlier, Alex said, taxation directorate general A. Ashari Ritonga visited city police headquarters to meet Jakarta Police chief Maj. Gen. Noegroho Djajoesman to thank the Jakarta Police for uncovering the scams.

"Pak Ashari asked the city police to thoroughly investigate the matter," Alex quoted Ashari as saying.

Alex also said the directorate general had assigned a team to help police investigate the scams. (emf)