Witness in Former Banjarmasin Tax Office Chief Bribery Case Returns Rp 9.5 Billion

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has received the return of USD 530,000, equivalent to around Rp 9.5 billion, from a witness in a bribery case involving tax restitution at the Pratama Tax Office in Banjarmasin. KPK spokesperson Budi Prasetyo stated that the money was returned during an examination, and investigators are now working to trace its connection to the alleged corrupt payments. The funds are suspected to have originated from a taxpayer.

The case initially stemmed from the arrest of the former head of the Banjarmasin Madya Tax Office, Mulyono, in a sting operation. The investigation has since expanded, with the KPK issuing three new investigation warrants. These warrants cover the bribery of a state official, the receipt of gratuities, and money laundering offences.

Alongside Mulyono, the anti-graft agency has named two other suspects: Dian Jaya Demega, a tax official and member of the audit team at the Banjarmasin Madya Tax Office, and Venasisus Jenarus Genggor, the finance manager of PT Buana Karya Bhakti. The case originated from a tax restitution claim filed by the company for the 2024 fiscal year, which involved an overpayment of Rp 48.3 billion.