Indonesia's Deputy Immigration Minister Silmy Karim linked to 'Russian Village' director in corruption probe

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has revealed that former Deputy Minister of Immigration and Penitentiary, Silmy Karim, had communications with Andrej Frey, a German national identified as the Director of PT Parq Ubud Partners, often referred to as "Kampung Rusia" (Russian Village).

Achmad Taufik Husein, the Acting Director of Investigation at the KPK, confirmed the communication, stating that while details are sensitive and part of the ongoing investigation, the information is being developed. The KPK is examining whether Karim and his associates possibly engaged in extortion against Frey. "This is being developed by investigators. Whether it will also be included in the modus operandi of extortion carried out by SK? That will be developed in our ongoing investigation," Husein said.

Andrej Frey is already a suspect in a separate case. On January 24, 2025, Frey, who also serves as Director of PT Tommorow Land Development Bali and PT Alfa Management Bali, was named a suspect by the Bali Regional Police. This case involves alleged criminal acts of changing the function of sustainable agricultural land and protected rice fields in Ubud, Bali.