Jakarta. The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) detained North Bolaang Mongondow Regent Sirajudin Lasena and 13 other people on Monday in a sting operation involving suspected payments linked to local government projects in the North Sulawesi regency.

Investigators also seized hundreds of millions of rupiah in cash during the operation, KPK spokesman Budi Prasetyo said.

The 14 people were detained in separate operations in Jakarta, North Sulawesi and neighboring Gorontalo Province.

KPK has not named any suspects and is conducting preliminary questioning before determining the legal status of those detained. The commission has 24 hours following the sting operation to make that determination.

“The team also secured evidence during the sting operation, including hundreds of millions of rupiah in cash,” Budi told reporters at KPK headquarters in Jakarta.

He said investigators suspect the case involves payments received by public officials within the North Bolaang Mongondow Regency administration in connection with local government projects. KPK has yet to disclose the specific projects or the alleged purpose of the payments.

Of the 14 people detained, five were taken into custody in Jakarta, including Sirajudin. Eight others were detained in North Sulawesi, including North Bolaang Mongondow, while one was detained in Gorontalo.

“The five people detained in Jakarta are undergoing intensive questioning, with the case still at the preliminary investigation stage. The questioning is taking place at KPK's Red and White Building,” Budi said.

Those detained outside Jakarta are undergoing initial questioning at local police facilities, he added.

KPK will subsequently determine which of them need to be brought to Jakarta for further questioning.

The identities of the other 13 people have not yet been officially disclosed.

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