Luxury goods seized from former Indonesian immigration official linked to alleged extortion

The Indonesian Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has seized a significant collection of luxury items from the residence of former Deputy Minister of Immigration and Penitentiary Affairs, Silmy Karim. The raid, conducted on June 5, 2026, is part of an investigation into alleged extortion rackets involving the processing of residency permits for foreign nationals.

“

The evidence seized is suspected to be related to or obtained from the alleged criminal act of corruption of extortion committed by the suspect related to the processing of temporary stay permits for foreign nationals.

Investigators reportedly confiscated two Porsche sports cars, ten Vespa scooters, several large motorcycles including Harley-Davidsons, seven bicycles, and numerous pieces of jewelry. The seizure also included cash in Indonesian Rupiah and foreign currencies such as U.S. dollars, Euros, and Japanese Yen. KPK spokesperson Budi Prasetyo stated that these assets are believed to be linked to or obtained from the alleged corruption offenses.

Silmy Karim, along with seven other officials and employees from the Directorate General of Immigration, has been named a suspect in the extortion case. The KPK alleges that these individuals received approximately Rp 357 billion in illegal fees for processing foreign worker permits. Financial transaction reports indicate these funds flowed through 96 different bank accounts between 2019 and 2025.

“

The investigation of this closed proceeding stems from follow-up on the case of the planned use of foreign labor at the Ministry of Manpower.

According to KPK Chairman Setyo Budiyanto, the investigation originated from a case concerning the planned use of foreign labor at the Ministry of Manpower. Evidence suggests that officials like Jaya Saputra instructed subordinates, including Bagus Bramantyo and Tessar Bayu Setyaji, to collect "extra fees" for temporary stay permits. These fees were reportedly collected not directly from the applicants but through various service bureaus, guarantors, or sponsors.

“

It is suspected that they enjoyed money from the processing of foreign worker permits amounting to Rp 357 billion.

The alleged actions of the suspects are said to have circumvented official tariffs set by government regulations. The KPK's ongoing investigation aims to uncover the full extent of the corruption within the immigration system.

“

The illegal fees in the Directorate General of Immigration involved the role of a number of officials and staff at various levels.