:
Oleh Wilda Stiana, Rabu, 18 Desember 2019 | 10:01 WIB - Redaktur: Wilda Stiana - 861
Jakarta, InfoPublik- Home Affairs Ministry will follow up on Financial Transaction Reports and Analysis Center (PPATK) finding related to the placement of funds belong to a regional government head in the form of foreign exchange into overseas casino accounts.
"We will assign our staff to PPATK immediately. We suggest that the finding is discussed internally so that we can proceed accordingly,” said Home Affairs Ministry’s Regional Autonomy Director-General Akmal Malik, in Jakarta, Monday (12/16).
Akmal suggested that PPATK should have discussed any findings involving the regional department head with the Home Affairs Ministry since it is the Ministry’s scope of authority.
"It’s much better than making the issue public by telling the media,” he said. Akmal is worried that baseless rumors will circulate in public unless the ministry seeks clarification from PPATK about the findings.
The ministry has the duty and authority to foster local governments so that it could have measured the steps that need to be taken following the issue. If the finding suggests that a violation of the law is committed, the legal process will be conducted.
"We have no authority in enforcing the law. If any criminal offenses are committed, the law enforcement officers will step in. When needed, the Supreme Audit Agency can undergo a financial audit," he added.
Previously, the PPATK revealed the regional government head’s M.O. in conducting money laundering through casinos or gambling establishments abroad.
PPATK chairman Kiagus Badaruddin stated that money laundering via casinos has become a new M.O. revealed this year. “A person withdraws money from an account when he wants to gamble. He also saves that money in the form of casino chips," he said.
Badaruddin further explained that the perpetrator would exchange the chips for cash when the casino operation hours are over. After received cash and receipts from the casino, he would bring the cash to the country legally.
(Translator: Erik Limantara)
