Chief Judge Charged With Money Laundering

Jakarta (Antara) - Suspended Constitutional Court chief justice Akil Mochtar has been charged with money laundering, in addition to corruption charges. "The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) agreed several days ago to upgrade the order of investigation into Akil Mochtar to cover money laundering," KPK deputy chief Bambang Widjojanto said in a text message received here on Saturday. Akil Mochtar has been charged with violating Article 3 of Law Number 8 of 2010 on prevention and eradication of money laundering, carrying a maximum sentence of 20 years in jail and a fine of Rp10 billion. Bambang said KPK has confiscated Akil's assets and accounts. "All accounts found by KPK have been blocked and some of his assets have also been confiscated," he said. KPK earlier named Akil Mochtar as a suspect for allegedly receiving bribes in connection with the election of district heads of Gunung Mas in Central Kalimantan and Lebal in Banten. Along with Akil, KPK also named Golkar Party lawmaker Chairun Nisa, Gunung Mas district head Hambit Bintih and a private party, Caronelis Nalau, as suspects in connection with the Gunung Mas case. Meanwhile, in the Lebak case KPK has named lawyer Susi Turhandayani and Tubagus Chaeri Wardaana, the younger brother of Banten governor Ratu Atut Chosiyah, as suspects. (*)