Supreme Court Judge Gazalba Saleh Case: Sentenced to 12 Years in Prison, Here is the Complete Chronology

Kapanlagi.com - Shocking news comes from the DKI Jakarta High Court. Non-active Supreme Court Judge, Gazalba Saleh, must now face the bitter reality of a sentence that has been increased to 12 years in prison. Not only that, he is also required to pay fines and restitution after being proven involved in bribery practices and money laundering (TPPU).

This decision is a continuation of a previous lighter sentence. The panel of judges at the DKI Jakarta High Court found additional evidence that strengthened the prosecutor's charges, leading them to impose a heavier penalty. This case began with allegations of receiving bribes involving Gazalba in the handling of cases at the Supreme Court, which attracted public attention.

Kapanlagi.com has summarized the complete chronology of this case, starting from the initial sentence, interesting facts during the trial, to the legal consequences that Gazalba Saleh must face, Friday (27/12).

1. Heavier Verdict from the High Court, 12 Years in Prison

The DKI Jakarta High Court has just handed down a heavier sentence to Gazalba Saleh, forcing him to serve a prison term of 12 years.

The ruling, read on December 16, 2024, by a panel of judges led by Teguh Harianto, also includes a fine of Rp500 million, with an additional threat of four months in prison if it is not paid.

Moreover, Gazalba is required to pay restitution amounting to Rp500 million, and if he fails to meet this obligation within one month of the ruling, his assets will be seized and auctioned off.

If the value of the assets is insufficient, he will face an additional two years in prison. The judge emphasized that this decision was made to serve as a deterrent, considering his position as a high-ranking official who should uphold integrity.

"The defendant has tarnished the reputation of the Supreme Court and undermined public trust," the judge stated during the hearing, as reported by Liputan6.com, Thursday (26/12/2024).

2. Chronology of the Gratification and Money Laundering Case, Gazalba Received Rp 500 Million

This shocking case began with the handling of a cassation case regarding illegal hazardous waste at the Supreme Court, where Gazalba, along with his lawyer Ahmad Riyad, became entangled in a gratification scandal worth Rp650 million—with Rp500 million of that flowing directly into Gazalba's pockets.

The illicit money was used for suspicious transactions, including the purchase of luxury assets such as houses and expensive vehicles. The prosecutor considered this action as money laundering in violation of Law No. 8 of 2010.

Investigations by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) that began in March 2023 revealed large flows of funds whose origins could not be explained, supported by transaction documents and testimonies from several key witnesses.

3. Initial Verdict in the Corruption Court

Before the appeal ruling, the Corruption Court sentenced Gazalba to 10 years in prison, along with a fine of Rp500 million which, if not paid, would result in an additional four months of imprisonment.

This verdict was considered lighter compared to the prosecutor's demand for a 15-year prison sentence, and in the first trial, the judge decided there would be no replacement fine as there was deemed to be no real state loss.

However, the appellate judges had a different view and added a replacement fine, triggering a wave of reactions from various circles who felt the initial sentence was too lenient given his position as a Supreme Court judge.

The KPK also did not remain silent and filed an appeal, which ultimately resulted in a heavier sentence.

4. Seized Evidence and Assets

In a shocking investigation, the KPK successfully seized various astonishing pieces of evidence, including cash, luxury vehicles, and luxurious properties that include a Toyota Alphard, a magnificent house in Sedayu City, as well as vast land in Bogor.

With a total seized asset value reaching Rp62.89 billion, this fund is strongly suspected to originate from bribery and money laundering practices conducted by Gazalba from 2020 to 2022.

The transaction process involving foreign currency exchange and home loan repayments reveals a structured and systematic flow of funds, as stated by the KPK prosecutor during the highly publicized trial.

5. Legal Impact and Public Reaction

This latest verdict adds to the long list of corruption scandals that tarnish the judiciary, triggering deep concern among the public regarding the credibility of the Supreme Court and reinforcing the notion that corruption practices are rampant among officials.

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) is committed to continuing to monitor the subsequent legal processes, including the possibility of cassation filed by Gazalba.

Meanwhile, public voices are growing louder in demanding fundamental reforms within the judiciary to prevent similar incidents from recurring. In its statement, the KPK emphasized that this case serves as a reminder of the importance of strict oversight over public officials.

"We hope this decision serves as a lesson for all parties to maintain integrity," said the KPK spokesperson.

6. What charges have been brought against Gazalba Saleh?

Gazalba Saleh is currently facing serious charges related to gratification and money laundering, a case that has attracted public attention and sparked various speculations.

7. Why was Gazalba's sentence increased on appeal?

The sentence imposed has become heavier after new evidence emerged that strengthens the case, coupled with considerations regarding the losses suffered by the state.

8. What are the legal consequences for Gazalba after this verdict?

In addition to serving a prison sentence, he is also required to pay a substantial fine and restitution as a consequence of his actions.

(kpl/rmt)