Jakarta, IO – North Maluku governor Abdul Gani Kasuba has been named by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) as a suspect in an alleged bribery case. Gani is suspected of receiving Rp2.2 billion in bribes in connection with an infrastructure project in North Maluku.
KPK deputy chair Alexander Marwata said the money was handed over in cash and transfer. Meanwhile, the account containing the bribes was held by Gani’s trusted aide identified as RI, per detikcom, Wed (20/12).
“Initial evidence was that money entered an escrow account and used for Abdul’s personal spending,” said Alexander.
Alexander explained that Gani was suspected of manipulating the tender process to favor certain contractors who was willing to offer bribes.
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“Abdul abused his position to determine which contractors would win the tender,” he said.
The various infrastructure projects are worth up to Rp500 billion. In addition, Gani also directed his accomplices to manipulate the progress of the project by misrepresenting them as more than 50 percent complete so that the budgeted funds could be disbursed. (bp)