D

epok police have arrested a man identified as Purwandriono over a Rp 43.9 billion (U$ 4.51 million) investment scam. Purwandriono, who isalso a Prosperous Justice Party (PKS) member, was arrested at his homefollowing reports made by victims from Jakarta and Depok.

'We are still pursuing the man who orchestrated the whole scam,' Depok criminal investigation unit head Comr. Ronald A Purba said on Monday.

He said the police had also confiscated three cars and a truck from the suspect's house as evidence.

Head of PKS Depok Regional Board Supariyono confirmed that Purwandriono was a PKS member but then stated that the allegations were Purwandriono's private business and did not involve the party.

'We at the party have no knowledge of the scam and therefore it is hisresponsibility to answer the police during the investigation,' he said.

Sukmajaya Police office head Comr. Fitria Mega said the arrest was a follow-up to a report made by a Sukmajaya resident identified only as AA who claimed to have lost Rp 538 million invested in a cooperative providing office supplies for schools in Jakarta.

He said the police then discovered 70 more people with a minimum investment of Rp 100 million who, following a preliminary investigation, also appeared to be victims of the scam.(asw/dic)