Jakarta. The Attorney General’s Office (AGO) revealed that prosecutors have been investigating former Trade Minister Thomas Lembong over alleged illegal sugar imports since last year, before officially identifying him as a corruption suspect on Tuesday evening.

“We have been conducting this investigation since October 2023. It’s not a simple case,” said Abdul Qohar, the AGO’s Director of Criminal Investigation.

Thomas, who served as trade minister from 2015 to 2016 and later as head of the Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM) from 2016 to 2019 under President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo, has become an outspoken critic of the government since leaving the cabinet.

However, the senior prosecutor dismissed any claims that the case is politically motivated.

“Regardless of the individual, if we have compelling evidence against them, they will face charges,” Abdul said.

Thomas, 53, is accused of issuing an import permit for 105,000 tons of red sugar crystals in 2015 despite an existing domestic surplus, Abdul added. The permit was awarded to a private company, in violation to the government regulation.