Jakarta – A district head in Tangerang regency, Banten, identified only as AK, 48, has been arrested for allegedly extorting money from a foundation that aims to build a church.
The arrest follows a series of investigations by the South Tangerang Police implicating a Pagedangan district office staff member identified only as BP.
The two suspects, who have been charged for extortion, allegedly demanded that the church foundation pay Rp 600 million (US$43,560) before building a church within the complex of the QBig shopping mall in the regency.
South Tangerang Police chief Adj. Sr. Comr. Fadli Widiyanto said on Thursday that the foundation had paid Rp 150 million to BP, who then transferred the money to AK.
The suspects claimed that the money would be used for the public. However, they kept the money for themselves, Fadli said.
"BP then asked for another Rp 150 million to be paid immediately, as AK would go on a minor haj," Fadli said as quoted by tribunnews.com. (fac)