Suwondo still at large: Police chief

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)