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Indonesia’s Money Laundering Probe: A Romp Through the Legal System

In a high-profile case that has captivated the country, Indonesian prosecutors have filed an indictment against disgraced tax official Rafael Alun Trisambodo, accused of laundering $6 million in illegal funds and accepting $1 million in “gifts” while working at the tax office. If convicted, he could face up to 20 years behind bars.

The Downfall of a Tax Official

Trisambodo’s downfall began last year after a viral video showed his son, Mario Dandy Satriyo, brutally attacking a teenager. The incident led to a probe into Trisambodo’s finances, which uncovered lavish displays of wealth that seemed at odds with his modest salary. He was subsequently suspended and later sacked.

A Brief History of Money Laundering in Indonesia

Indonesia has a fascinating history when it comes to money laundering, dating back to the 1997 Asian financial crisis. To stabilize the country, Indonesia received $10 billion from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in November 1997, along with another $1.4 billion in July 1998. As part of the agreement, Indonesia was required to draft and enact robust financial legislation, including transparency in banking law.

Challenges in Prosecuting Money Laundering Cases

Despite having money laundering laws on the books since 2002, Indonesian prosecutors have often been hesitant to charge individuals due to the complexity of the crime. Money laundering requires two illegal acts to have taken place, known as a “predicate crime” and the subsequent act of money laundering. In Trisambodo’s case, the predicate crime appears to be gratification, which is a charge under Indonesia’s corruption law for accepting gifts.

• The prosecution must prove not one but two crimes, requiring twice the evidence, witnesses, documents, and labor involved than if only one crime had been committed.
• This makes the Trisambodo saga all the more intriguing, implying that there may have been a wealth of evidence for the prosecution to build on.

The Trial

Trisambodo’s trial began on August 30, and it will be interesting to watch its progression. His son, Satriyo, was recently sentenced to 12 years in prison for his role in the brutal attack.

Conclusion

The Indonesian legal system has thrown the book at Satriyo, and it seems as if Trisambodo is about to face a similar fate. The case highlights the complexities of money laundering in Indonesia and the challenges prosecutors face in bringing successful cases.