A test master identified as SA and a cashier, W, were caught red-handed during a raid on Thursday at the Rembang Transportation Agency, where the tests take place.

“We conducted the raid after receiving reports about alleged illegal levies,” Central Java Police spokesperson Sr. Comr. Agus Triatmojo said in Semarang over the weekend.

Thirty-seven vehicles were at the agency waiting to be tested at the time of the raid.

The test is mandatory for all vehicles, especially public transportation.

Applicants were allegedly told not go to the cashier to pay for their tests, but to pay directly with the test master, who charged them Rp 100,000 (US$6.60) to Rp 500,000 per vehicle. The range is higher than the official fees, which are below Rp 100,000.

The police also seized Rp 21. 2 million in cash, four bank passbooks and ATM cards belonging to SA, cell phones belonging to SA and W, registration documents, payments and test documents and a book containing notes on the distribution of the alleged illegal levies.

“SA and W have been taken to the Rembang Police’s detective and crime unit for further investigation,” said Central Java Police corruption subdirectorate head Adj. Sr. Comr. Gunawan.

The police have questioned 10 people in the case, including SA and W, vehicle test applicants, vehicle owners and the transportation agency’s staff.

“We suspect the practice has been going on since 2013. We will continue to investigate the case,” Agus said.

The suspects are being held for allegedly violating Article 12 of Law No. 20/2001 on the amendment of Law No. 31/1999 on corruption.

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