SABACIREBON – The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) continues to develop investigations into cases of alleged extortion in processing residence permits for foreign nationals (WNA) which involved the former Deputy Minister of Immigration and Corrections, Silmy Karim. One of the focuses of investigators’ current investigation is communication between Silmy and a German citizen, Andrej Frey.
Acting Director of Corruption Eradication Commission Achmad Taufik Husein confirmed that there was information regarding communication between Silmy Karim and Andrej Frey. However, he was not prepared to reveal further details because the material had entered the realm of investigation.
According to Taufik, investigators are currently examining whether the communication relationship is related to the pattern or mode of alleged extortion that is being investigated. All information obtained will be analyzed further to strengthen case construction.
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Andrej Frey’s name was previously known as the Director of PT Parq Ubud Partners, an area popularly known as “Russian Village” in Bali. Apart from that, he is also listed as Director of PT Tomorrow Land Development Bali and PT Alfa Management Bali.
In January 2025, Andrej Frey was named a suspect by the Bali Regional Police in the alleged conversion of sustainable agricultural land and protected rice fields in the Ubud area.
The case currently being handled by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) stems from a sting operation that was held from 2 to 3 June 2026 regarding alleged corrupt practices in immigration services for foreign citizens. This operation is the 11th OTT carried out by anti-corruption agencies throughout 2026.
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During this operation, investigators arrested 17 people consisting of state officials and private parties who were suspected of acting as intermediaries in processing various immigration documents.
Silmy Karim then visited the KPK’s Red and White House on June 3 2026 before finally being named a suspect along with a number of other officials a day later.
The Corruption Eradication Committee (KPK) suspects that extortion practices in processing foreigners’ residence permits took place between 2022 and 2026 and resulted in illegal profits reaching around IDR 145.5 billion.
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The alleged criminal act is said to have occurred within the Directorate General of Immigration, both when it was still under the Ministry of Law and Human Rights and after it became part of the Ministry of Immigration and Corrections.
Apart from Silmy Karim, a number of officials and apparatus who have been named as suspects include Saffar Muhammad Godam, Jaya Saputra, Ronald Arman Abdullah, Tessar Bayu Setyaji, Bagus Bramantyo, Juniadi Sri Priambudi, and Gusti Benardiansyah.
The Corruption Eradication Committee (KPK) emphasized that the investigation process is still ongoing and does not rule out the possibility of new facts emerging as it deepens the flow of funds, communication patterns and the involvement of other parties suspected of being related to the case.***
