Sahroni reveals his role in helping to dismantle fake KPK fraud case

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Deputy Chairman of Commission III of the Indonesian House of Representatives Ahmad Sahroni has revealed his role in helping authorities dismantle a fraud case disguised as the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK), which culminated in the arrest of the perpetrator by a joint team. The case began when Sahroni was contacted by someone claiming to be part of the KPK team and demanding up to Rp300 million. “What I want to convey directly is that this started with a request from someone claiming to be from the KPK team for the amount of Rp300,000,000,” he said during a press conference in Jakarta on Saturday. He admitted to delaying the request because he found it suspicious, especially as the perpetrator kept calling and pressuring for the money to be handed over immediately. “I reported this to the KPK’s supervisory side to confirm whether the request was legitimate. From there, it was conveyed that it was not true. I immediately said, ‘Just arrest them if it’s not true,’” he stated. After confirming it as a fraud modus operandi, coordination was carried out between the KPK and Metro Jaya Police for enforcement action. In the process, Sahroni was asked to cooperate by handing over the money as part of the arrest strategy. “How can you arrest someone if the money hasn’t been given? So we were asked to provide the money, not as payment, but to ensure who receives it,” he explained. He emphasised that there was no discussion about any legal case in the communication with the perpetrator. “That lady never discussed any case at all, nothing, she just demanded money in the name of the KPK leadership,” he said. The perpetrator even came directly to the DPR RI building and met the victim in the leadership waiting room before being secured along with other involved parties. From the case revelation, authorities seized evidence including around 17,400 US dollars or equivalent to Rp300 million, as well as fake attributes such as stamps and KPK-headed letters. Metro Jaya Police stated that the perpetrator, initialled TH (48), is suspected of using a false identity to convince the victim. Sahroni assessed that the modus operandi is dangerous because it targets public trust in state institutions. “This is dangerous, it cannot be allowed,” he said. He also urged the public to always verify the identity of parties claiming to represent institutions and not to easily trust those promising to handle cases. The case is still under further investigation by authorities, with charges of fraud under the provisions of the Criminal Code to provide a deterrent effect and prevent similar practices from recurring.