SINGAPORE WORKING TO EXPEDITE INDONESIA'S EXTRADITION REQUEST FOR E-KTP FUGITIVE

By Nur Ashikin Abdul Aziz

SINGAPORE, March 10 (Bernama) -- The Singapore government will seek to expedite the extradition process of Paulus Tannos, a businessman wanted by the Indonesian authorities for his alleged involvement in a corruption scandal involving the country’s electronic identity card project (e-KTP project).

The Law Ministry stated that the government is taking the case very seriously and will do all that is possible under the law to facilitate the request for extradition.

“This request is being processed in accordance with Singapore’s Extradition Act 1968 and the Extradition of Fugitives (ET). The legal process to enable the request has commenced in accordance with due process and the rule of law, in line with international practice,” the ministry stated in a statement on Monday.

It noted that the Singapore and Indonesian authorities are working closely on this case, the first extradition request by Indonesia under their bilateral extradition treaty, which took effect on March 22, 2024.

Tannos, also known by his alias, Tjhin Thian Po, a Singapore Permanent Resident, was arrested here on Jan 17 following a provisional request from Indonesia on Dec 19, 2024, and a Singapore court order.

Singapore received the formal request from Indonesia to extradite Tannos on Feb 24.

The Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC), as Singapore’s Central Authority for extradition requests, has proceeded to review the request and its accompanying documents. Once the legal requirements for extradition are met, the matter will be promptly placed before the Court.

Extradition generally takes place in less than six months if a fugitive does not contest the extradition.

Law and Home Affairs Minister K. Shanmugam told a press conference on Monday that Tannos' case is likely to take longer, as his counsel has given every indication that they will contest the extradition.

“If that is so, then the court will have to ask for submissions and evidence from both sides. We’ll have to give time for the parties, then there will have to be arguments in court. All of this will take time.

“So, it could take two years, maybe even more, depending on how intense the legal action is,” he said.

Shanmugam said Tannos is also entitled to apply for bail and request for more time to prepare for his case.

Meanwhile, the minister also clarified that although Tannos had produced a diplomatic passport issued by Guinea-Bissau, it does not grant him any diplomatic immunity.

According to Indonesia’s Antara news agency, Tannos has been on the Indonesian Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) wanted list since Oct 19, 2021.

-- BERNAMA