Jakarta – A legislative candidate from an unidentified political party was arrested along with four suspects for allegedly stealing money to use for his campaign, the Bogor Police reported.
The Bogor Police said Friday the candidate had been arrested along with four other suspects.
The five suspects are identified as SP, AM, NJ, HR and NA. The police said SP was currently participating in the legislative election but refused to reveal the candidate's exact electoral district and political party.
All the suspects are repeat offenders, having carried out robberies in several regions, including in Palembang, Jakarta, Tangerang, Bogor and Bekasi.
The Bogor Police's crime unit chief, Adj. Commissioner Benny Cahyad said as quoted by kompas.com that the five attempted to rob motorists in Pakansari Stadium in Cibinong district, Bogor regency on March 13.
The police have seized around Rp 40 million from the suspects so far. The group has been operating for the last five months.
The group robbed motorists by first flattening the tires of the victims' cars. They then tailed the victims until the tires were completely flat. When the victims got out the car to change tires, they forced them to withdraw money from their bank accounts.
Benny said the legislative candidate was the leader in the robbery. "The leader received the biggest share [of the money from the robbery]," he said.
Bogor Police chief Adj. Sr. Comr. AM Dicky, said that SP's electoral district was outside Java. (das/evi)