Indonesia’s anti-corruption court jailed the country’s former traffic police chief for 10 years on Tuesday after he built up a US$18 million empire by accepting enormous bribes.
The sentencing of Djoko Susilo brings to an end a dramatic case that has captivated Indonesia, and is a major victory for anti-graft investigators battling against the odds in one of the world’s most corrupt countries.
Susilo reportedly earned a humble police salary of US$1,000 a month – but the country’s anti-graft agency seized assets from him, including houses, cars and even petrol kiosks, worth 200 billion rupiah (HK$140 million).
It was clear to the panel he had committed acts of corruption
After taking several hours to read the 3,000-page indictment against Susilo, a five-judge panel unanimously found him guilty of corruption and money laundering.
“It was clear to the panel he had committed acts of corruption,” said Judge Anwar, who goes by one name, as the sentence was handed down after the verdict was announced.
Susilo was also ordered to pay a fine of 500 million rupiah at the end of the lengthy trial, which started in April.
Prosecutors had sought an 18-year jail term and a one-billion-rupiah fine.