Carla Isati Octama – In the latest allegations of police in Indonesia abusing their authority, Jakarta Police have charged a man with stealing his girlfriend's panties. The same woman has reportedly been having an affair with a police officer.

Detik.com reported that Samsu Alam, 39, a sailor, had been detained in Cipinang Prison in East Jakarta since Oct. 17 after he was charged with theft for allegedly stealing Dede Juwitawati's underwear.

Samsu's lawyer, Jefri Moses Kam, on Monday, however, alleged that his client was the victim of a love triangle involving the woman and another man, a police officer.

The case had been fabricated and since Samsu's arrest the officer had regularly visited the woman, Jefri said. He said the case would further tarnish the image of Indonesia's National Police in light of the recent scandals involving the police force.

Samsu is due to appear in court on Tuesday.