Former Tax Official Muhammad Haniv Named Corruption Suspect in Rp 21.5 Billion Gratification Case

INDONESIAUPDATES.COM, News En – The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has officially named former high-ranking official of the Directorate General of Taxes, Muhammad Haniv (HNV), as a suspect in a major corruption case involving the alleged acceptance of Rp 21.5 billion in gratuities.

Gratification Charges and Legal Violations

KPK Investigation Director Asep Thunder announced on Tuesday (25/02/2025) that Haniv was found to have violated Article 12B of Law No. 31 of 1999 on the Eradication of Corruption Crimes. As the former head of the Jakarta Special Tax Office, he allegedly used his influence for personal gain.

“HNV allegedly engaged in activities related to his position that conflicted with his official duties. He used his power and connections to benefit himself and his son’s business,” Asep stated.

How the Corruption Was Uncovered

Investigators found that Haniv’s son, FP, operates a men’s fashion brand, FH Pour Homme by Febby Haniv, based in Victoria Residence, Karawaci, since 2015. Evidence uncovered that Haniv had solicited sponsorships from taxpayers under his jurisdiction to finance a fashion show.

On December 5, 2016, Haniv reportedly sent an email to YD, the head of the Foreign Investment Tax Service Office 3, requesting sponsorship for a fashion show scheduled for December 13, 2016. Soon after, transactions linked to taxpayers and employees of KPP Foreign Investment 3 began flowing into FP’s BRI bank account.

Key findings include:

• Rp 300 million transferred by taxpayers under the Jakarta Special Tax Office.
• Rp 387 million transferred from taxpayers directly linked to the fashion show.
• Rp 417 million received from non-taxpayer sources, totaling Rp 804 million.

“The sponsoring companies confirmed that they gained no benefits from providing the funds,” Asep added.

Suspicious Financial Transactions and Forex Activities

Beyond the fashion show sponsorship, Haniv allegedly engaged in additional illicit financial activities between 2014 and 2022:

• Received and held foreign currency assets in significant amounts.
• Placed Rp 10.3 billion in deposits under another party’s name at a Rural Bank (BPR), later withdrawing the full amount into his personal account totaling Rp 14.08 billion.
• Conducted Rp 6.6 billion in forex-related transactions through intermediaries.

Total Illicit Gains: Rp 21.5 Billion

Investigators concluded that Haniv received at least Rp 21.5 billion in various forms of illicit income, including gratuities, forex transactions, and hidden deposits.

Current Investigation Status

As of now, the KPK has not detained Haniv. Authorities are continuing to gather evidence and trace his assets to further substantiate the charges. The anti-corruption agency is also working on ensuring that all illicitly acquired funds are recovered.

Public and Legal Implications

The exposure of this case highlights the ongoing battle against corruption within Indonesia’s tax administration. With the KPK intensifying its crackdown, the case is expected to serve as a major warning against misuse of power by public officials.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is Muhammad Haniv accused of?
He is accused of receiving Rp 21.5 billion in gratuities, manipulating financial transactions, and misusing his position for personal and family business benefits.

2. What companies were involved in the sponsorship payments?
The sponsors were taxpayers under the Jakarta Special Tax Office, but they reportedly received no benefits from their financial contributions.

3. How did Haniv use his influence for personal gain?
He solicited sponsorships from businesses under his tax jurisdiction for his son’s fashion brand and engaged in illegal forex and deposit transactions.

4. What actions has the KPK taken so far?
The KPK has officially named him a suspect and is continuing investigations to collect evidence and trace illicit assets.

5. What legal penalties could Haniv face?
If found guilty under Indonesia’s corruption laws, he could face significant prison time, fines, and asset seizures.

FOLLOW INDONESIAUPDATES.COM ON GOOGLE NEWS