Jakarta. The Ethics Council of the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has uncovered several findings from a series of ethics hearings regarding alleged extortion practices in the KPK Detention Center. One revelation pertains to money allegedly demanded for bringing mobile phones into the corruption watchdog's detention center.

"Approximately, around Rp 10 million ($640)-Rp 20 million to have mobile phones. Later on, there will be monthly payments," said Albertina Ho, a member of the KPK Ethics Council, at the KPK Building in Jakarta on Thursday.

Albertina additionally revealed that a charge, ranging from approximately Rp 200,000 to Rp 300,000, is imposed for the mobile phone charging service within the detention center. The KPK Ethics Council has affirmed its commitment to an ongoing investigation into this matter.

"They accept the money so that these detainees can get facilities. In other words, they can bring in mobile phones," explained Albertina.

Albertina mentioned that KPK employees suspected of involvement in extortion would act as if they were unaware of the provision of these additional facilities. 

"It's like turning a blind eye, pretending not to see when someone brings in a phone. Then, allowing food to be brought in at inappropriate times," Albertina revealed.

Previously, the KPK Ethics Council revealed that more than 50 employees of the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) are alleged to have accepted bribes from suspects detained at the commission’s facility. 

The KPK Ethics Council has gathered 65 pieces of evidence, including documents related to money deposits and others. KPK employees who will soon face ethics hearings for alleged extortion practices will be charged with the abuse of authority for personal gain.

"At the very least, they received Rp 1 million, and the highest amount received was around Rp 504 million," Albertina said on Monday.

The Oversight Body of the KPK had previously exposed widespread illegal surcharges by employees taking advantage of detainees. These corrupt practices reportedly resulted in the collection of at least Rp 4 billion ($257,000) between December 2021 and March 2023. Detainees allegedly paid these illicit sums for cell phone access or meal deliveries facilitated by family members.

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