JAKARTA: Indonesian authorities have arrested former anti-corruption prosecutor Febrie Adriansyah after seizing $19 million in cash and 74 kilogrammes of gold bars from his home and other properties as part of a money laundering investigation.
The arrest marks one of Indonesia’s most high-profile anti-corruption cases in recent years as the Southeast Asian nation continues efforts to tackle entrenched graft.
Assistant Attorney General for Oversight Rudi Margono said late Friday that Adriansyah is accused of laundering money while serving as the country’s top anti-corruption prosecutor.
Adriansyah stepped down from his position on July 11 after more than four years in office, following raids on several properties, including his residence outside Jakarta.
Investigators said they recovered $19 million in various currencies along with 74 kilograms (163 pounds) of gold bars worth millions of dollars.
Ex-Prosecutor Denies Allegations
After several hours of questioning, Adriansyah denied any wrongdoing, telling local television that he was the victim of “criminalisation.”
His lawyer, Febri Diansyah, said his client hoped “the legal process can proceed fairly.”
Indonesian police initially launched the investigation before being transferred to anti-corruption specialists within the Attorney General’s Office, where Adriansyah had previously served.
