AGO set to act against Bakrie Group over tax fraud case
Bagus BT Saragih, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta | Wed, 09/29/2010 5:28 PM
Acting Attorney General Darmono said Wednesday state prosecutors are studying testimonies revealed in court on alleged involvement of Bakrie Group companies in major tax fraud cases.
"I have given an order to Junior Attorney General on Special Crimes to follow up and study the testimonies, including those that named [Bakrie companies]," Darmono said after a hearing at the House of Representatives.
He was referring to the testimonies of former junior tax officer Gayus Halomoan Tambunan, a key player in an alleged legal mafia and tax mafia.
Darmono said the AGO was not afraid of investigating the cases, despite the fact that the companies are linked to Golkar Party chairman Aburizal Bakrie.
During a trial at the South Jakarta District Court on Tuesday, Gayus admitted to receiving U$3 million (Rp 28 billion) from three mining companies controlled by Aburizal's family.
According to Gayus, the three firms, PT Kaltim Prima Coal, PT Arutmin and PT Bumi Resources, gave him the money to illegally adjust their tax obligations. All the companies have denied Gayus’ claim.
