AGO Seizes Rp11.8 Billion in Nickel Mining Corruption Probe

Detailed summary

Jakarta. Indonesian prosecutors have seized Rp11.8 billion ($649,000) in cash during searches of six locations in Jakarta as part of an investigation into alleged corruption in…

Jakarta. Indonesian prosecutors have seized Rp11.8 billion ($649,000) in cash during searches of six locations in Jakarta as part of an investigation into alleged corruption in nickel mining operations in Southeast Sulawesi spanning 2013 to 2025.

The Attorney General’s Office (AGO) found Rp11.2 billion at one location and another Rp595 million at a second site during searches on Thursday, Saiful Bahri, director of investigations at the office’s special crimes division, said on Friday.

The cash was found at a company office, where it had been stored in several suitcases and bags, according to the AGO. Investigators also confiscated documents related to nickel mining operations and electronic evidence, including mobile phones, laptops, computer units, and servers.

Prosecutors are also seeking a person identified only as AK, whom they describe as the alleged controller of several nickel mining companies. Saiful said AK was currently overseas and that investigators were coordinating with immigration authorities to establish his whereabouts.

Investigators have questioned 38 witnesses and found links between AK and the mining operations under investigation, Saiful said. They are continuing to examine witnesses and gather evidence before the case is referred to prosecutors for trial.

The investigation is examining allegations that companies paid government officials to facilitate mining administration, including licensing, production, and sales processes.

Saiful said investigators were also reviewing bank account documents to assess the possibility of freezing assets. He did not provide further details on the accounts or potential targets.

The searches covered six locations in Jakarta allegedly linked to AK, including a house in South Jakarta and offices belonging to four companies at APL Tower in Central Park, Mid Plaza, and the Sudirman Central Business District (SCBD).

Opening of the article, excerpted from Jakarta Globe. To read the rest, open the article on the publisher's site.