Singapore: Indonesian Businessman Arrested for Money Laundering and Corruption, Allegedly Misappropriated US$26 Billion
Harvey Moeis, a.k.a. Indonesia’s “Perfect Husband,” Charged with Corruption and Money Laundering
In a stunning turn of events, Indonesian businessman Harvey Moeis, 38, was arrested and charged with money laundering and corruption. According to the Attorney General’s Office (AGO), Moeis is accused of misappropriating funds worth US$26 billion from a state-owned mining operation.
Arrest and Charges
Moeis was apprehended by Singaporean authorities on March 27 and charged with corruption on March 31. Subsequently, he was charged with money laundering on April 4.
Witnesses and Investigation
173 witnesses, including Moeis’ wife, actress, businesswoman, and brand ambassador Sandra Dewi, 40, have been interviewed in relation to the case. Sandra is currently under investigation for allegedly receiving funds from questionable sources related to her husband’s business dealings.
Potential Penalties
The high-profile couple could face significant penalties if convicted. Moeis faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, while Ms. Sandra could be sentenced to up to five years in prison or a fine of 1 billion rupiah (US$61,757).
Alleged Corruption and Illicit Activities
The AGO announced a corruption case on March 31, involving 16 suspects from both the private sector and PT Timah, a state-owned tin mining company. The authorities claimed that from 2018 to 2019, Moeis, as a representative of tin company PT Refined Bangka Tin (RBT), persuaded PT Timah’s former president director, Mochtar Riza Pahlevi Tabrani, to lease mining equipment for illegal activities in the company’s mining business licensing area.
In addition, Moeis ordered smelter owners to set aside profits from their businesses, which were then channeled to various suspects. Helena Lim, the manager of currency exchange company PT Quantum Skyline Exchange (QSE), has been charged with corruption for facilitating the alleged money laundering by disguising the proceeds as Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds.
Expert Estimates State Losses
Expert witness and academic Bambang Hero Saharjo, from Bogor’s Agricultural Institute (IPB) University, estimated potential state losses of 271 trillion rupiah (US$17.4 billion) due to the alleged corruption, which occurred from 2015 to 2022. This includes ecological losses, environmental economic losses, environmental recovery costs, and outer forest area losses.
Extravagant Lifestyle
Before the scandal, Moeis and his wife were known for their extravagant lifestyle, which included:
- A luxurious wedding reception at Tokyo Disneyland
- A four-story house with marble floors and an elevator
- A spacious house in Australia
- A Bombardier Challenger 605 private jet worth 270 billion rupiah (US$16.8 million)
- A collection of expensive cars
All of these assets have been seized by the authorities, along with Moeis’ personal bank accounts.