Latest news with #PaulusTannos
Singapore Law Watch
23-04-2025
- Politics
- Singapore Law Watch
Indonesian fugitive flip-flops in Singapore Court on agreement to extradition
Indonesian fugitive flip-flops in Singapore Court on agreement to extradition Source: Straits Times Article Date: 23 Apr 2025 Author: Christine Tan Indonesia had put in a formal extradition request for Paulus Tannos on Feb 24. An Indonesian businessman, who was arrested in Singapore over corruption allegations, has changed his mind after earlier indicating his willingness to be extradited to Indonesia in a letter to President Prabowo Subianto. Paulus Tannos, who appeared in the State Courts on April 22 via video link, said he is not consenting to his extradition after all. 'At this moment, I do not want to go to Indonesia. 'I will voluntarily go to Indonesia provided the Indonesian court will be fair, with the judge that is not corrupt,' he said. Tannos, who is in his 60s, had reportedly written a letter from Changi Prison to Indonesian President Prabowo and several Indonesian media outlets on April 17, indicating his willingness to return to the country. He said he was willing to face charges filed against him by the Indonesian Corruption Eradication Commission, 'as long as the legal process is fair and conducted by judges with high integrity and free from corruption'. Indonesian media outlet Tempo, which reported on the letter on April 20, said Tannos claimed in his correspondence that the extradition process he was facing was not in accordance with the agreement between Indonesia and Singapore. In response to queries from The Straits Times, a Singapore Ministry of Law (MinLaw) spokeswoman said on April 22: 'Since it appears from Paulus Tannos' letter to the President of Indonesia that he is willing to be extradited, we will ask the court for an immediate hearing to facilitate his request and arrange for the extradition immediately.' Indonesia had put in a formal extradition request for Tannos on Feb 24. The MinLaw spokeswoman said that the extradition request by Indonesia was thoroughly reviewed by Singapore's law enforcement agencies, who have ensured that the requirements of the extradition treaty and Singapore's Extradition Act have been adhered to. The extradition treaty between Singapore and Indonesia took effect on March 21, 2024. It grants extradition for a list of offences, including corruption, money laundering and bribery, and can be retrospectively applied to crimes committed up to 18 years ago. Under the Extradition Act, a fugitive can give consent to his extradition and waive full extradition proceedings. Tannos, also known as Tjhin Thian Po, was president and director of Sandipala Arthaputra, a technology company awarded a contract to produce part of the Indonesian government's electronic ID card or e-KTP project. The graft scandal caused state losses of about 2.3 trillion rupiah (S$180 million). Tannos has reportedly been on Indonesia's fugitive list since Oct 19, 2021, and is believed to have been living in Singapore since 2012. He was arrested on Jan 17 by Singapore's Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau, after the Indonesian government made a provisional arrest request against him. He was in court on April 22 for a bail hearing, where his lawyer Bachoo Mohan Singh argued that his client should be released on bail because he was sick and infirm. Mr Singh said the court can impose conditions upon his client, including restricting Tannos to specific locations, imposing a curfew that stops him from leaving his home after 6pm, and obliging him to contact his investigation officer every day. The lawyer noted that Tannos had 'many interviews' with Indonesia's Corruption Eradication Commission from 2014 to 2024, adding: 'If he had wanted to run, he would have run the first time they came round and talked to him.' Mr Singh argued that the Indonesian authorities did not substantiate their case against Tannos, and that multiple witnesses for the case have already died. Deputy Senior State Counsel Sivakumar Ramasamy disagreed that Tannos' medical conditions were severe enough to warrant bail. He said bail should be considered only if he has a serious illness or physical weakness which cannot be reasonably managed in prison. Mr Sivakumar also countered that at this stage of the proceedings, the court does not need to evaluate the merits of the evidence presented against Tannos. Instead, it would only be applicable for his committal hearing in June, where the court has to determine whether he should be extradited to Indonesia. The bail hearing was eventually adjourned after the defence requested for more time to acquire a medical report. Tannos' case will be heard again on April 28. Christine Tan is a journalist at The Straits Times reporting on crime, justice and social issues in Singapore. Source: The Straits Times © SPH Media Limited. Permission required for reproduction. Print
Straits Times
22-04-2025
- Politics
- Straits Times
Indonesian fugitive flip-flops in S'pore Court on agreement to extradition
Indonesia had put in a formal extradition request for Paulus Tannos on Feb 24. PHOTO: SCREENGRAB FROM SINGAPORE – An Indonesian businessman, who was arrested in Singapore over corruption allegations, has changed his mind after earlier indicating his willingnes s to be extradited to Indonesia in a letter to President Prabowo Subianto. Paulus Tannos, who appeared in the State Courts on April 22 via video link, said he is not consenting to his extradition after all. 'At this moment, I do not want to go to Indonesia. 'I will voluntarily go to Indonesia provided the Indonesian court will be fair, with the judge that is not corrupt,' he said. Tannos, who is in his 60s, had reportedly written a letter from Changi Prison to President Prabowo and several Indonesian media outlets on April 17, indicating his willingness to return to the country. He said he was willing to face charges filed against him by the Corruption Eradication Commission, 'as long as the legal process is fair and conducted by judges with high integrity and free from corruption'. Indonesian media outlet Tempo, which reported on the letter on April 20, said Tannos claimed in his correspondence that the extradition process he was facing was not in accordance with the agreement between Indonesia and Singapore. In response to queries from The Straits Times, a Singapore Ministry of Law (MinLaw) spokeswoman said on April 22: 'Since it appears from Paulus Tannos' letter to the President of Indonesia that he is willing to be extradited, we will ask the court for an immediate hearing to facilitate his request and arrange for the extradition immediately.' Indonesia had put in a formal extradition request for Tannos on Feb 24. The MinLaw spokeswoman said that the extradition request by Indonesia was thoroughly reviewed by Singapore's law enforcement agencies, who have ensured that the requirements of the extradition treaty and Singapore's Extradition Act have been adhered to. The extradition treaty between Singapore and Indonesia took effect on March 21, 2024. It grants extradition for a list of offences, including corruption, money laundering and bribery, and can be retrospectively applied to crimes committed up to 18 years ago. Under the Extradition Act, a fugitive can give consent to his extradition and waive full extradition proceedings. Tannos, also known as Tjhin Thian Po, was president and director of Shandipala Arthaputra, a technology company awarded a contract to produce part of the Indonesian government's electronic ID card or e-KTP project. The graft scandal caused state losses of about 2.3 trillion rupiah (S$180 million) . Tannos, who has reportedly been on Indonesia's fugitive list since Oct 19, 2021, and is believed to have been living in Singapore since 2012. He was arrested on Jan 17 by Singapore's Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau, after the Indonesian government made a provisional arrest request against him. He was in court on April 22 for a bail hearing, where his lawyer Bachoo Mohan Singh argued that his client should be released on bail because he was sick and infirm. Mr Singh said the court can impose conditions upon his client, including restricting Tannos to specific locations, imposing a curfew that stops him from leaving his home after 6pm, and obliging him to contact his investigation officer every day. The lawyer noted that Tannos had 'many interviews' with Indonesia's Corruption Eradication Commission from 2014 to 2024, adding: 'If he had wanted to run, he would have run the first time they came round and talked to him.' Mr Singh argued that the Indonesian authorities did not substantiate their case against Tannos, and that multiple witnesses for the case have already died. Deputy Senior State Counsel Sivakumar Ramasamy disagreed that Tannos' medical conditions were severe enough to warrant bail. He said bail should be considered only if he has a serious illness or physical weakness which cannot be reasonably managed in prison. Mr Sivakumar also countered that at this stage of the proceedings, the court does not need to evaluate the merits of the evidence presented against Tannos. Instead, it would only be applicable for his committal hearing in June, where the court has to determine whether he should be extradited to Indonesia. The bail hearing was eventually adjourned after the defence requested for more time to acquire a medical report. Tannos' case will be heard again on Apr 28. Christine Tan is a journalist at The Straits Times reporting on crime, justice and social issues in Singapore. Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
Yahoo
11-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Parliament passes record $143 billion budget to tackle economic challenges; Singapore processes Indonesia extradition request for Tannos: Singapore live news
Hello to all our readers, Yahoo Singapore will be bringing you live news updates today. The editorial team will be curating the latest must-know local and international news. First off, Singapore passed an historic $143 billion Budget for 2025 on Monday (10 March), the largest in the country's history. This budget is the final one of the current government term and focuses on sustaining post-pandemic recovery while preparing for long-term growth. The plan includes investments in housing, sustainability, and workforce transformation, positioning Singapore for continued success globally. Minister Indranee Rajah emphasised the nation's prudent fiscal approach, which allowed it to respond swiftly to global crises without accumulating significant debt. Prime Minister Lawrence Wong confirmed that the policies set forth in Budget 2025 will build a stronger, more resilient society for Singapore's future. Read more about Budget 2025 here. Meanwhile, Singapore is processing its first extradition case under its 2024 treaty with Indonesia for businessman Paulus Tannos, who is accused of embezzling millions in a corruption case related to Indonesia's electronic ID card project. Tannos, arrested in January 2025, has been in Singapore since 2017 and holds permanent residency. The legal process could take up to six months, though Tannos intends to appeal the decision, potentially prolonging the extradition process. Read on Indonesia's request for Singapore to extradite the corruption fugitive here. Read more in our live blog below, including the latest local and international news and updates. Singapore is handling its first extradition case under the recently implemented treaty with Indonesia. The case involves businessman Paulus Tannos, who is wanted in Indonesia for his alleged involvement in a massive corruption scandal tied to the country's electronic identification card project. The scandal, which has caused an estimated loss of 2.3 trillion rupiah (S$187.4 million/US$140.72 million), sees Tannos accused of embezzling funds in collusion with government officials and lawmakers. Tannos, who has been living in Singapore since 2017, was arrested on 17 Jan 2025, following an official extradition request from Indonesia. Singapore's Law and Home Affairs Minister, K Shanmugam, confirmed that Tannos is currently in remand without bail. The businessman has expressed his intent to appeal the extradition decision, a move that could significantly extend the process. If uncontested, the process could take as little as six months, but legal challenges could stretch it for years. The extradition request comes as part of a treaty that went into effect in March 2024, allowing for the return of criminals who have committed offences in either country. Tannos is accused of using his company to secure a government contract for the ID card project, inflating the price in exchange for bribes. The project has been a major source of corruption in Indonesia, with Tannos named among the primary figures involved. The Singaporean authorities are working closely with their Indonesian counterparts to ensure a smooth extradition process. However, the completion of this case depends on the clarity of the documents and legal arguments from both sides. Indonesia sent preliminary documents for the extradition in December, which led to the issuance of an arrest warrant in January. Tannos holds permanent residency in Singapore and holds a diplomatic passport from Guinea-Bissau, though his diplomatic immunity is not recognised by Singapore due to his lack of official accreditation. Read on Singapore processing Indonesia's first extradition request here. In a landmark move, Singapore's Parliament has officially passed its largest-ever budget, a record-breaking $143.1 billion for the upcoming fiscal year. This budget marks the final one of the current government term, coinciding with the nation's 60th year of independence. It encapsulates a strategic and resilient fiscal response to the unprecedented challenges faced by Singapore in recent years, including the COVID-19 pandemic, global economic disruptions, and rising inflation. Budget 2025, unveiled by Leader of the House and Minister Indranee Rajah, underscores the government's ability to maintain socio-economic stability and chart a path forward despite volatile global circumstances. In her speech, Ms Indranee highlighted the critical role that previous budgets, particularly those passed in the pandemic years, played in ensuring Singapore's swift recovery. These measures, which included support for businesses and workers, allowed Singapore to avoid significant debt while responding decisively to crises. 'Through careful long-term planning and prudent fiscal policy, we steered Singapore through some of the most turbulent times in modern history,' Ms Indranee said. She emphasised that the country's fiscal discipline allowed it to allocate substantial funds – over $80 billion – for pandemic relief without burdening future generations. Budget 2025 sets the stage for key initiatives in the post-pandemic era, including public housing reforms, workforce transformations, and the ongoing green transition. Singapore's competitiveness on the global stage remains a top priority, with investments in sustainability and innovation marking the budget as a forward-looking plan for the next generation. As Singapore celebrates its 60th year, Ms Indranee also reflected on the nation's achievements. From global rankings in innovation to maintaining low inequality levels, Singapore's success is a testament to effective governance and the trust between the government and its people. The 2025 Budget, she noted, is not only a response to current needs but also a blueprint for the future. Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, who also serves as Finance Minister, reaffirmed that Budget 2025 would lay the foundation for a resilient and inclusive Singapore, ensuring that every citizen benefits from the country's progress. Read on here for more on Budget 2025. Singapore is handling its first extradition case under the recently implemented treaty with Indonesia. The case involves businessman Paulus Tannos, who is wanted in Indonesia for his alleged involvement in a massive corruption scandal tied to the country's electronic identification card project. The scandal, which has caused an estimated loss of 2.3 trillion rupiah (S$187.4 million/US$140.72 million), sees Tannos accused of embezzling funds in collusion with government officials and lawmakers. Tannos, who has been living in Singapore since 2017, was arrested on 17 Jan 2025, following an official extradition request from Indonesia. Singapore's Law and Home Affairs Minister, K Shanmugam, confirmed that Tannos is currently in remand without bail. The businessman has expressed his intent to appeal the extradition decision, a move that could significantly extend the process. If uncontested, the process could take as little as six months, but legal challenges could stretch it for years. The extradition request comes as part of a treaty that went into effect in March 2024, allowing for the return of criminals who have committed offences in either country. Tannos is accused of using his company to secure a government contract for the ID card project, inflating the price in exchange for bribes. The project has been a major source of corruption in Indonesia, with Tannos named among the primary figures involved. The Singaporean authorities are working closely with their Indonesian counterparts to ensure a smooth extradition process. However, the completion of this case depends on the clarity of the documents and legal arguments from both sides. Indonesia sent preliminary documents for the extradition in December, which led to the issuance of an arrest warrant in January. Tannos holds permanent residency in Singapore and holds a diplomatic passport from Guinea-Bissau, though his diplomatic immunity is not recognised by Singapore due to his lack of official accreditation. Read on Singapore processing Indonesia's first extradition request here. In a landmark move, Singapore's Parliament has officially passed its largest-ever budget, a record-breaking $143.1 billion for the upcoming fiscal year. This budget marks the final one of the current government term, coinciding with the nation's 60th year of independence. It encapsulates a strategic and resilient fiscal response to the unprecedented challenges faced by Singapore in recent years, including the COVID-19 pandemic, global economic disruptions, and rising inflation. Budget 2025, unveiled by Leader of the House and Minister Indranee Rajah, underscores the government's ability to maintain socio-economic stability and chart a path forward despite volatile global circumstances. In her speech, Ms Indranee highlighted the critical role that previous budgets, particularly those passed in the pandemic years, played in ensuring Singapore's swift recovery. These measures, which included support for businesses and workers, allowed Singapore to avoid significant debt while responding decisively to crises. 'Through careful long-term planning and prudent fiscal policy, we steered Singapore through some of the most turbulent times in modern history,' Ms Indranee said. She emphasised that the country's fiscal discipline allowed it to allocate substantial funds – over $80 billion – for pandemic relief without burdening future generations. Budget 2025 sets the stage for key initiatives in the post-pandemic era, including public housing reforms, workforce transformations, and the ongoing green transition. Singapore's competitiveness on the global stage remains a top priority, with investments in sustainability and innovation marking the budget as a forward-looking plan for the next generation. As Singapore celebrates its 60th year, Ms Indranee also reflected on the nation's achievements. From global rankings in innovation to maintaining low inequality levels, Singapore's success is a testament to effective governance and the trust between the government and its people. The 2025 Budget, she noted, is not only a response to current needs but also a blueprint for the future. Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, who also serves as Finance Minister, reaffirmed that Budget 2025 would lay the foundation for a resilient and inclusive Singapore, ensuring that every citizen benefits from the country's progress. Read on here for more on Budget 2025.
Yahoo
10-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Singapore processing extradition of fugitive businessman wanted in Indonesia
SINGAPORE (Reuters) - Singapore is processing its first ever extradition request from neighbouring Indonesia for a businessman accused of corruption in a government project, the city-state's law ministry said on Monday. Paulus Tannos has been implicated in a graft scandal involving the Indonesian government's electronic identification card project, which caused losses to the state of about 2.3 trillion rupiah ($140.72 million), reported news outlet the Jakarta Globe. Tannos has been on Indonesia's wanted list since 2021 for alleged offences committed a decade earlier, according to its anti-graft agency. See for yourself — The Yodel is the go-to source for daily news, entertainment and feel-good stories. By signing up, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy. Singapore's law and home affairs minister K Shanmugam told a briefing on Monday that Tannos was arrested in January following a request from Indonesia in December. He is accused of colluding with some lawmakers and government officials to ensure his firm won a contract to produce ID cards at an inflated price in return for kickbacks, Indonesian investigative magazine Tempo has reported. It is not immediately clear how Tannos has responded to the allegations and Reuters could not immediately find contact details for his legal representative. Indonesia's anti-graft agency and its immigration ministry did not immediately respond to requests for comment. According to Singapore authorities, Tannos has permanent residency in Singapore and holds a diplomatic passport from Guinea-Bissau, but his diplomatic immunity is not recognised because he was not accredited with the foreign affairs ministry. Singapore's law ministry said it was working closely with Indonesian authorities and would seek to expedite the extradition process, which would take about six months if uncontested by Tannos. The extradition treaty between Singapore and Indonesia came into effect on March last year. It can be retrospectively applied to crimes committed up to 18 years ago, according to Singapore's Straits Times. ($1 = 16,345.0000 rupiah)
Reuters
10-03-2025
- Politics
- Reuters
Singapore processing extradition of fugitive businessman wanted in Indonesia
SINGAPORE, March 10 (Reuters) - Singapore is processing its first ever extradition request from neighbouring Indonesia for a businessman accused of corruption in a government project, the city-state's law ministry said on Monday. Paulus Tannos has been implicated in a graft scandal involving the Indonesian government's electronic identification card project, which caused losses to the state of about 2.3 trillion rupiah ($140.72 million), reported news outlet the Jakarta Globe. Tannos has been on Indonesia's wanted list since 2021 for alleged offences committed a decade earlier, according to its anti-graft agency. Singapore's law and home affairs minister K Shanmugam told a briefing on Monday that Tannos was arrested in January following a request from Indonesia in December. He is accused of colluding with some lawmakers and government officials to ensure his firm won a contract to produce ID cards at an inflated price in return for kickbacks, Indonesian investigative magazine Tempo has reported. It is not immediately clear how Tannos has responded to the allegations and Reuters could not immediately find contact details for his legal representative. Indonesia's anti-graft agency and its immigration ministry did not immediately respond to requests for comment. According to Singapore authorities, Tannos has permanent residency in Singapore and holds a diplomatic passport from Guinea-Bissau, but his diplomatic immunity is not recognised because he was not accredited with the foreign affairs ministry. Singapore's law ministry said it was working closely with Indonesian authorities and would seek to expedite the extradition process, which would take about six months if uncontested by Tannos. The extradition treaty between Singapore and Indonesia came into effect on March last year. It can be retrospectively applied to crimes committed up to 18 years ago, according to Singapore's Straits Times. ($1 = 16,345.0000 rupiah)
