Energy minister linked to extortion

Indonesian Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Jero Wacik has been named a graft suspect in connection with alleged extortion activities that generated $840,000 in illicit funds. The country’s powerful Corruption Eradication Commission said Jero had ordered people in the ministry to raise funds for him, such as by carrying out fictitious meetings or soliciting kickbacks from procurement activities and consulting services. The case involving Jero stems from the August 2013 arrest of Rudi Rubiandini, the chief of upstream oil and gas regulator SKKMigas, for taking bribes. Rudi, who was recommended by Jero for his position, was jailed in April for 7 years. Jero was expected to resign immediately.

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