We don’t have permission to probe Gayus’ clients: Police

The National Police say they are waiting for permission from the Finance Ministry before they investigate documents pertaining to the taxes of large organizations that allegedly paid graft suspect Gayus H. Tambunan.

“[We sent a letter] about a month ago,” spokesperson Insp. Gen. Anton Bachrul Alam said Tuesday.

He said the documents were needed to check whether statements made by Gayus while on trial were true. “It’s those companies mentioned during his trial,” Anton said.

Former junior tax officer Gayus was found to have at least Rp 90 billion (US$9.9 million) in assets.

Gayus previously said during one of his trial sessions that he had amassed some of his wealth from three giant mining companies partly owned by the family of Golkar Party chairman Aburizal Bakrie to help them manipulate their tax obligations.

Also on Tuesday, National Police chief Gen. Timur Pradopo said the police would again collaborate with the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) and the Financial Transaction Reports and Analysis Center (PPATK) to investigate any information on companies involved in Gayus’ graft case. The three parties had previously handled the case, but follow-up remains unclear.

When asked whether the police will hand the graft case over to the KPK, Timur said that it would depend on the case inquiry.

“KPK is part of the extended [team of] investigators, alongside the Judicial Mafia Taskforce, in unraveling the case that we have been conducting,” he said.

National Police spokesman Sr. Comr. Boy Rafli Amar said the police had questioned two witnesses from two different companies allegedly involved with Gayus in graft activities worth Rp 28 billion. The witness investigation results have also been submitted to the Supreme Court.

The House of Representatives Commission III overseeing legal affairs says it may summon graft suspect Gayus to ask about his alleged crimes. “It is possible that Commission III may request Gayus Tambunan to appear,” commission chairman Benny K. Harman said.

House Commission III deputy chairman Fahri Hamzah also said the commission might summon Gayus. Fahri said that Commission III might be a suitable and safe place for Gayus to disclose information on anyone involved in his alleged wrongdoings.