“I had said that there will be more ‘episodes’ on this case, and earlier at 3 a.m., we arrested former Blitar mayor with initial S for his involvement in the aggravated burglary case at the official residence of Blitar Mayor Santoso,” East Java Police chief, Inspector General Toni Harmanto, informed here on Friday.
The decision to arrest Anwar was made based on information obtained during the questioning of suspects nabbed earlier by the police, he said.
“We are certain that they have met and communicated while (under incarceration) in prison, and (Anwar) provided the tip about the cash storage and the best time to commit the burglary at the official residence,” Harmanto said.
Anwar was sentenced to five years in prison for a bribery case in 2018. He was freed last October after serving four years behind bars.
Though he was cooperative while being escorted to the police office, Anwar denied any involvement or intention to take “revenge” against the current mayor.
Anwar has been charged under Article 356 in conjunction with Article 56 of the Criminal Code for being an accessory to the crime by providing a tip to the gang of burglars who invaded the current mayor’s residence.
On December 12, 2022, an aggravated burglary was reported at the official residence of the Blitar mayor. A total of Rp400 million in cash and jewelry owned by Santoso’s wife were stolen by the burglars.
While they were unharmed, Santoso, his wife, and three security officers were held captive by the burglars who invaded their home.
Following the burglary, the East Java police arrested three suspects, identified by their initials as NT, AJ, and AS, for their involvement in the burglary. Meanwhile, two other suspects remain at large.
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