KPK develops money laundering charges in immigration corruption case

Indonesia's Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) is constructing money laundering charges in a case involving alleged extortion and the acceptance of gratuities related to foreign resident permits between 2022 and 2026. This development follows the seizure of various assets believed to be proceeds from these alleged crimes.

Achmad Taufik Husein, the acting Director of Investigation at KPK, confirmed that the investigation is expanding to include money laundering offenses. The KPK is determining whether the money laundering charges will be filed alongside the original corruption charges or pursued separately after the initial trial. "The team has seized assets from the suspects because there are quite a lot for the Immigration case; there are eight suspects, and assets have been seized from each suspect, which are also being developed for the money laundering aspect," Husein stated.

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Indeed, there is development towards money laundering offenses.

The case emerged from an operation conducted on June 2-3, 2026, which led to the arrest of 18 people. Among those implicated is former Deputy Minister of Immigration Silmy Karim, who surrendered to authorities. The KPK uncovered and secured evidence, including seven cars, 15 motorcycles, 11 bicycles, bank account balances, cryptocurrency assets, and foreign currencies, totaling approximately Rp17.5 billion.

Searches have been conducted at various locations, including the Immigration Office Class I TPI Denpasar, PT Visa Empat Bali, CV Visa Agung Bali Teratai Promanende, Bali-based visa service offices, and Silmy Karim's office and residence. In addition to Karim, seven other suspects are being prosecuted: Saffar Muhammad Godam (acting Director General of Immigration 2024-2025), Jaya Saputra (Director of Stay Permits), Bagus Bramantyo and Tessar Bayu Setyaji (sub-directors in the Directorate of Stay Permits), Ronald Arman Abdullah (Head of the Central Jakarta Immigration Office 2024-2025 and Head of the West Jakarta Immigration Office 2025-2026), Juniadi Sri Priambudi (Head of the Limited Stay Permit Conversion Team), and Gusti Bernardiansyah (Staff member of the Directorate of Stay Permits).

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The team has seized assets from the suspects because there are quite a lot for the Immigration case; there are eight suspects, and assets have been seized from each suspect, which are also being developed for the money laundering aspect.