The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has arrested a businessman who allegedly bought luxury items worth almost half a billion rupiah to bribe Talaud Islands Regent Sri Wahyumi Manalip to win local administration projects in the area. Bernard Hanafi Kalalo was arrested on Monday night at a hotel in Jakarta when he was allegedly preparing to deliver the items to Sri’s confidant Benhur Lalenoh. The businessman was allegedly buying the items for the regent so he could secure revitalization projects of two traditional markets in the regency. “On the evening of April 29, [KPK investigators] arrested [Bernard, Benhur] and [Bernard’s] driver,” she said at a press conference on Tuesday. The KPK arrested regency official Ariston Sasoeng in Manado, the province’s capital, a few hours later, and the regent at her office on Karakelong Island.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer May 01, 2019 05:03 UTC