Susno names Cirus in court hearing

Former National Police chief detective Comr. Gen. Susno Duadji named state prosecutor Cirus Sinaga in his graft trial on Wednesday, calling the Attorney General’s Office investigator “a robber”.

In his defense argument for his client, Susno’s lawyer Henry Yosodiningrat told the court Cirus “only wants Gayus Tambunan’s money.”

“Cirus was involved in an evil conspiracy with police detectives and Gayus lawyers to enrich himself from Gayus’ pocket.

“Cirus, as of today, is lucky enough as he has not yet been named a suspect or punished by his institution,” Henry said during Susno’s trial at the South Jakarta District Court.

Gayus, a former tax officer, is standing trial separately for allegedly bribing police investigators, prosecutors, attorneys and judges to help secure his acquittal in his previous trial.

State prosecutors said Gayus spent Rp 25 billion to buy justice using money he amassed
from helping companies evade taxes.

Cirus’ involvement in studying Gayus’ case was also questioned by Susno’s lawyers.

“Cirus was then a prosecutor at the general crimes division, while Gayus’ case, which was money laundering and corruption, was supposed to be handled by special-crimes prosecutors,” Henry said.

Cirus once came under intense scrutiny after the police named him a suspect but fellow prosecutors refused to recognize his suspect status, and police hesitated to indict him.

Acting Attorney General Darmono said the police had yet to complete their investigation into Cirus’s alleged role and he would not act against him until the police come up with solid evidence.

Previously police detective Brig. Gen. Raja Erizman had testified at the same court that Cirus issued orders to drop charges against Gayus.