Heaptalk, Jakarta — The Head of the Financial Transaction Reports and Analysis Center (PPATK), Ivan Yustiavandana, revealed a cash-based money laundering scheme allegedly used by employees within the Ministry of Communication and Digital (Komdigi) to conceal financial transactions tied to online gambling operations.
According to Ivan, cash payments, including local currency and foreign exchange, are used as primary methods to sever transaction trails.
“Payments in cash, whether in rupiah or foreign currencies, are indeed a form of money laundering to erase transaction records,” he explained.
The PPATK has reportedly detected significant transaction values associated with this case, which will be forwarded to the Criminal Investigation Directorate of the Jakarta Metropolitan Police for further investigation.
“We will hand over the findings to the investigators,” Ivan confirmed.
Ivan added that the suspects could face charges under Indonesia’s Anti-Money Laundering law (UU TPPU), stating, “According to the Anti-Money Laundering Law, yes, they can be prosecuted under UU TPPU,”
PPATK continues to investigate the potential involvement of other Komdigi employees in the online gambling network, uncovering asset purchases possibly linked to illicit funds.
“PPATK is actively analyzing the transactions of other suspected Komdigi employees; several asset acquisitions have already been identified and will be reported to relevant investigators,” Ivan concluded.
This revelation underscores the ongoing efforts of PPATK to crack down on financial crimes within government institutions, spotlighting the need for increased vigilance and regulatory enforcement in combatting online gambling and money laundering activities in Indonesia.
