The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) recently conducted a swift, covert sting operation (OTT) in Banjarmasin, South Kalimantan, apprehending three individuals. This significant anti-corruption sweep is linked to allegations of tax restitution fraud at the KPP Madya Banjarmasin office. The detained individuals have since been transported to the KPK’s Red and White Building headquarters in Jakarta for further proceedings.
KPK spokesperson Budi Prasetyo confirmed the arrests, stating, “The three individuals who were apprehended have now arrived at the KPK Red and White Building.” He relayed this information to reporters on Wednesday, highlighting the immediate action taken by the anti-graft agency following the operation. The prompt transfer underscores the seriousness of the allegations and the KPK’s commitment to tackling corruption head-on.
Among those ensnared in the operation is Mulyono Purwo Wijoyo, the Head of KPP Madya Banjarmasin, a key figure in the local tax authority. The other two individuals detained include a civil servant and a private sector party, indicating a collaborative scheme involving both state officials and external entities. These parties are now undergoing intensive examination as the KPK works to uncover the full scope of the alleged illicit activities.
The corruption allegations primarily revolve around irregularities concerning Value Added Tax (VAT) restitution at KPP Madya Banjarmasin. While the precise construction of the case is yet to be fully detailed, Budi Prasetyo indicated the substantial financial scale of the alleged fraud. “Yes, it is related to VAT restitution claims submitted by the private party at KPP Madya Banjarmasin, with the restitution value reaching tens of billions of Rupiah,” he elaborated, pointing to significant financial losses for the state.
During the covert operation, the KPK successfully confiscated substantial evidence, including cash exceeding Rp 1 billion. This tangible proof will be crucial as the investigation progresses. The KPK now has a critical 1×24 hour window to determine the official status of the apprehended parties, a standard procedure in such high-profile cases.
Separately, Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa publicly addressed the KPK’s sting operation, which also involved officials from the Directorate General of Taxes and the Directorate General of Customs and Excise. Speaking from the parliamentary complex on Wednesday, Minister Purbaya affirmed the government’s unwavering commitment to upholding the rule of law.
“We will await the results of the OTT. If there are indeed issues involving tax and customs officials, then legal action will be taken in accordance with the prevailing laws and regulations,” Minister Purbaya asserted. He emphasized that while the Ministry of Finance would not interfere with the ongoing legal process, it would nevertheless provide legal assistance to its staff involved, ensuring their rights are protected within the bounds of justice.
Summary
The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) conducted a sting operation (OTT) in Banjarmasin, South Kalimantan, apprehending three individuals linked to alleged tax restitution fraud at the KPP Madya Banjarmasin office. Among those detained are Mulyono Purwo Wijoyo, the Head of KPP Madya Banjarmasin, a civil servant, and a private sector party. The apprehended individuals have since been transported to the KPK’s Red and White Building headquarters in Jakarta for further proceedings and examination. KPK spokesperson Budi Prasetyo confirmed these arrests, highlighting the immediate action taken.
The allegations primarily revolve around irregularities concerning Value Added Tax (VAT) restitution claims, with the reported value potentially reaching tens of billions of Rupiah. During the operation, the KPK confiscated substantial evidence, including cash exceeding Rp 1 billion. Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa publicly addressed the operation, affirming the government’s commitment to legal action against any involved tax or customs officials while ensuring legal assistance for its staff.