Wednesday 14 May 2008

KPK in Riau for inquiry audit

Jakarta Post 14th May

KPK in Riau for inquiry audit

Wed, 05/14/2008

PEKANBARU: Investigators from the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) have arrived in Riau to audit the police investigation into illegal logging graft cases in the province.

KPK deputy chief on prevention affairs, Haryono Umar, is leading the audit, including a three-member team researching the difficulties police have faced while investigating graft cases in the forestry sector.

"We want to know what hurdles the police are facing in collecting legal evidence, conducting investigations and obtaining permits to interrogate public officials," he said.

A second KPK team managed by John C.E. Nababan is based in Pelalawan to further investigate the graft case involving regent Azmun Jaafar, who has been detained by the KPK in connection to forest concessions issued to timber companies.

In an intensive operation to crack down on illegal logging in the province, the police have submitted around 150 dossiers to the district attorney's office and district courts. Several dossiers have been returned and suspects acquitted of charges from lack of evidence. --JP