Indonesian Corruption Suspect in Singapore Remand, Citing Health and Extradition Concerns

Businessman Implicated in Indonesian Corruption Case Remains in Singapore Remand

Paulus Tannos, a businessman implicated in a corruption case linked to an Indonesian government project, will remain in remand in Singapore pending a medical report from the prisons.

Tannos, who is also known as Tjhin Thian Po, has been living in Singapore since 2017 and holds a diplomatic passport from Guinea-Bissau. He was arrested by the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau on January 17th and initially remanded without bail.

Indonesia submitted a formal extradition request for Tannos on February 24th, which is currently being reviewed by Singaporean authorities. The case marks the first extradition request under a new treaty between the two countries.

During a court hearing on March 13th, Tannos' lawyer submitted a bail application along with supporting documents detailing his medical condition. The state requested a four-to-five-week period to prepare a reply affidavit based on input from the prisons regarding Tannos' medical reports.

Tannos' lawyer argued that the bail application was filed late due to his client's hospitalization after experiencing chest pains. He also objected to the lengthy timeframe for the reply affidavit, emphasizing the urgency of Tannos' medical needs.

Addressing the court through an interpreter, Tannos expressed his unwillingness to return to Indonesia. His next court hearing is scheduled for March 19th, where the State Counsel will update the court on the reply affidavit.

In the meantime, Tannos will remain in remand. Law and Home Affairs Minister K Shanmugam has stated that Tannos could be extradited within six months if he does not contest the request. However, the process could take up to two years if contested at every stage.