AML / CFT: Indonesian judge makes startling admission of soliciting a bribe
A judge giving evidence in the second of a former tax inspector has made the startling admission that he, as the presiding judge in the first case, solicited a bribe.
Tax officer Gayus Tambunan was brought before the court earlier this year charged with, amongst other things, embezzlement and money laundering.
But to the surprise of almost everyone concerned, he was acquitted on all charges. The judge in the case was district court judge Muhtadi Asnun, now under suspension.
Now, in Gayus' second trial, this time for corruption, Muhtadi has admitted that he asked for "coffee" - meaning money.
In the second case, the judge, Albertina Ho, read out a text message and its reply in which Gayus suggested a date and time to "deliver the coffee."
The equivalent of more than USD3 million was found in Gayus' bank accounts - money he could not possibly have earned in the course of his employment.
Prosecutors say that Muhtadi asked for sufficient money to buy a Honda Jazz for his daughter - asking Gayus to double his previous offer. In return, prosecutors say, Muhtadi expressly told Gayus that his demands would be met.
But, says Muhtadi, the money was never paid even though Gayus did attend the meeting as arranged. Muhtadi told the court that he did not ask about the money at that meeting, only whether a job might be available in the tax office for his (Muhtadi's) daughter.
It has also been alleged, by Commander General. Susno Duadji, formerly a chief police officer, that several high-ranking police officers had been offered and accepted bribes of several thousand million rupiah from Gayus.
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