Customs official objects to KPK trial
The Jakarta Post, Jakarta | National | Thu, March 19 2009, 1:49 PM
Customs official Agus Sjafiin Pane, who has been indicted by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) for taking bribes from importers between January and May 2008, has objected to the charges at trial hearing of the Corruption Court.
“The KPK has no authority to handle my case. It should have transferred the case to another law enforcement institution,” he told the court, demanding the court to deny hearing the trial.
Agus was arrested by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) during a joint spot inspection with the customs and excise directorate general at Tanjung Priok Port on May 30, 2008.
The team seized Rp 87.56 million, US$1,000, A$50 and S$23 from importers, which were found in 24 envelopes, each containing between Rp 1 million and Rp 2 million, expected to be disbursed to other customs officials at the port.
Agus said the amount of money involved in the case was to small for the case to be handled by the KPK.
The KPK has charges Agus with violating Article 12(b) on bribery of public officials, which carries a maximum sentence of life in prison. (dre)
