"Singapore Expedites Extradition of Businessman in High-Profile Indonesian Corruption Case"

Singapore is actively working towards fulfilling Indonesia's request to extradite businessman Paulus Tannos, who is currently involved in a high-profile corruption investigation. Law and Home Affairs Minister K Shanmugam confirmed that this case marks the first extradition request under a new treaty between the two nations, established in January 2022 and activated in March last year.

The businessman, who is also known by the name Tjhin Thian Po, came under scrutiny in 2019 when Indonesian authorities named him a suspect in a corruption case involving the government's electronic ID card initiative. This case, considered substantial in scale, reportedly inflicted losses of approximately 2.3 trillion rupiah (about US$140 million) to Indonesia. Tannos, a permanent resident of Singapore who has been residing there since 2017, allegedly played a central role in helping his company, PT Sandipala Arthaputra, unfairly win a government tender and subsequently embezzle roughly 140 billion rupiah between 2011 and 2013.

Singapore's Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB) arrested Tannos on January 17, following an initial Indonesian request in December last year. He is currently being held without bail. Singaporean authorities emphasized their commitment to carefully assessing extradition conditions and how closely the request falls within the treaty framework.

Tannos complicated matters when he presented a diplomatic passport from Guinea-Bissau, raising temporary doubts about potential diplomatic immunity. However, the Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC) advised Singapore authorities that because Tannos wasn't officially accredited by the Singapore Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the diplomatic passport does not grant him immunity from extradition or arrest procedures.

The timeline for extradition remains uncertain, as much depends on the documents received, Tannos' arguments, and the availability of suitable court hearing dates. While a straightforward extradition could conclude in under six months, Tannos has already indicated that he will contest the process. A fully contested extradition could considerably prolong the proceedings—potentially up to two years.

Singaporean authorities have reassured Indonesia of their seriousness regarding this matter, highlighting regular exchanges with Indonesian legal counterparts. Although eager to expedite the legal process, Minister Shanmugam stresses that Tannos is entitled to sufficient time for legal preparations and the option to appeal any extradition ruling.

Finally, Singapore's Ministry of Law reiterated publicly its commitment to the joint international effort against corruption and its intent to diligently handle extradition requests in accordance with legal protocols.