Suwondo still at large: Police chief

BOGOR, West Java (JP): President Abdurrachman Wahid's masseur is now one of the most wanted men in the country, not for his therapeutic skills, but for his alleged involvement in the Rp 35 billion scam at the National Logistics Agency (Bulog) foundation.

National Police Chief Lt. Gen. Roesdihardjo said the Police have launched a manhunt for Suwondo, alias An Peng Sui.

"The police are still pursuing him. We hope to arrest him in the near future so that the case can be investigated thoroughly," he said after he handed over 11 patrol cars and 47 motorcycles to the Bogor and Bandung Regional Police here on Friday.

Suwondo is wanted after Bulog deputy chief Sapuan admitted, in police questioning on Thursday, to have given the money to him between Jan. 13 and 21.

Sapuan who was suspended from his position in Bulog is still undergoing intensive investigation at the city police headquarters in Jakarta.

Roesdihardjo said the National Police Headquarters has not taken over the case from the City Police.

"The City Police will continue to tackle the investigation," he said.

The swindle was uncovered following news reports saying Suwondo earlier asked Bulog for money from for palace coffers. The request was reportedly turned down by the Bulog chief Yusuf Kalla, but Suwondo then turned to Sapuan, who met the request after he was promised a promotion to Bulog's top post.

The president, who knew nothing about the case, ordered the police to arrest Suwondo for allegedly misusing his name to embezzle the funds.

Separately, Jakarta Police Detective chief Alex Bambang Riatmojo said Sapuan, who became a suspect on Tuesday, was officially arrested on Friday.

"We have questioned him this afternoon and he's now officially under police arrest," he said.

During the questioning, Alex said, Sapuan again admitted that he had given over Rp 35 billion to the masseur. (09/21)