Spokesman of the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK), Ali Fikri, has revealed the possibility for family members of former Minister of Agriculture, Syahrul Yasin Limpo (SYL), to be implicated in money laundering (TPPU) offenses.
Ali said Syahrul’s family members may become suspects if it is proven that they benefited from the flow of illicit funds.
“Their involvement will depend on the proven corruption offenses,” Ali told a press conference on Thursday, May 2, 2024.
He said that in money laundering cases, proceeds from illicit activities are typically converted into assets such as real estate. For instance, if a house is purchased and intentionally given to family members or relatives who are aware of its origin, they could be implicated in money laundering.
“Since the income of state officials is measurable at all times, such as monthly earnings, the acquisition of a house must be compatible with their profile and can be assessed accordingly,” Ali explained.
Ali emphasized the distinction between money laundering and bribery. Normatively, when a state official receives bribes or gratuities during their tenure, and others knowingly benefit from the money, they are not automatically implicated.
However, in money laundering cases, perpetrators deliberately transfer received funds to purchase other assets. These assets are then transferred to others with the intention of concealing the money’s origin.
Previously, during a trial at the Corruption Court, it was revealed that funds from the Ministry of Agriculture were diverted for personal purposes, including Syahrul’s family members.
Witnesses disclosed that funds from the ministry were used for Syahrul’s personal interests, including those of his grandchildren. Syahrul is currently charged with extortion and accepting bribes totaling Rp44.5 billion (US$2.8 million), and is being prosecuted alongside two former subordinates, former Secretary-General of the Ministry of Agriculture, Kasdi, and former Director of the Ministry of Agriculture, M. Hatta.
The witnesses testified that the Ministry of Agriculture’s General Bureau was instructed to pay off Syahrul’s credit card bills amounting to hundreds of millions of rupiah. Additionally, they were required to cover various expenses for Syahrul’s family, such as skincare products for his children and purchasing luxury vehicles.
The witnesses also testified that Syahrul instructed his subordinates to pay off his credit card bills. The request was conveyed by Syahrul’s former aide, Panji Hartanto.
Furthermore, the court heard testimonies from former Ministry of Agriculture officials, revealing expenditures for his grandson’s circumcision ceremony and his son’s birthday celebration.
However, one witness, Abdul Hafidh, could not recall the exact amount spent on these events. When questioned by the judge, he estimated the expenditure to be “quite substantial” but less than Rp100 million.
During the trial, it was also disclosed that funds were allocated for Syahrul’s children’s skincare routine, and he was reported to have contributed Rp850 million to the National Democratic (NasDem) Party.
