Five get travel bans in tax scandal

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) says that its request has been granted for an overseas travel ban for Asep Yusuf Hendra Permana, in an extortion tax scandal.

"The ban is effective for six months," KPK spokesman Johan Budi told a press conference on Friday.

Besides the ban for Asep, the owner of motocross spare parts and accessories manufacturer Asep Hendro Racing Sports (AHRS), bans were also put into place for four other witnesses: AHRS manager Wawan Firdaus, tax consultant Sudiarto Budiyuwono, Asep's alleged middleman Rukimin Tjahjanto and Tri Joko Putranto.

Tax officer Pargono Riyad was allegedly caught accepting a bribe delivered by Rukimin at Gambir station in Central Jakarta on Tuesday.

Lawyers allege that Pargono extorted money from Asep, a former motocross racer who founded AHRS in 1997, to resolve a questionable tax payment.

Asep's lawyers said that Pargono initially asked for Rp 600 million (US$61,800), which was negotiated down to Rp 125 million, with Rp 25 million to be paid at Gambir station.

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