Djibril Muhammad, Jakarta – The Attorney General's Office will soon bring the case against 22 suspects, including high-profile business executives, in a major graft scandal involving the state-owned tin miner Timah, to court, a top prosecutor said on Wednesday.

State auditors have estimated the state loss from the corruption case at a staggering Rp 300 trillion ($18.5 billion).

The scandal stems from alleged illegal tin mining activities within Timah's areas from 2015 to 2022, causing both financial losses and serious environmental damage, according to the AGO.

Among the high-profile suspects is businessman Harvey Moeis, who became a social media sensation after he reportedly gave his toddler son a private jet as a birthday gift. His attorney has argued the private jet was chartered by Harvey.

"We have identified 22 suspects we believe conspired in the graft scandal, enriched themselves, and inflicted financial losses on the state. We will bring them before the court soon," said Febrie Adriansyah, the Deputy Attorney General for Special Crimes.

According to the Financial and Development Supervisory Agency (BPKP), the Rp 300 trillion loss comprises Rp 271.1 trillion in environmental damages due to illegal mining, Rp 26.5 trillion in potential revenue loss for Timah, and another Rp 2.3 trillion in financial loss related to smelting costs.

Febrie said the number of suspects may increase depending on new developments in the ongoing investigation.

"Rest assured that prosecutors maintain professional conduct in investigating the case and work within the boundaries of the law," he said.

The court hearings will be open to the public and media coverage, the prosecutor added.

The investigation team has received support from the anti-money laundering agency to trace the flow of the ill-gotten funds, he said.

He indicated that the trial will be held in Jakarta for efficient and speedy proceedings.

Source: https://jakartaglobe.id/news/22-suspects-in-185b-timah-graft-scandal-to-go-on-trial-ag