Jakarta. Businessman Agusman Lahagu has been sentenced to life in prison for murdering two tax officials who tried to collect $1 billion in delinquent taxes from him.

The presiding judge of North Sumatra's Gunung Sitoli District Court, Nelson Angkat, on Tuesday (31/01) convicted Agusman of murdering Parada Toga Fransriano Siahaan and Soza Nolo Lase.

The prosecutors' request for the death penalty to be imposed on Agusman was denied.

Beadli Lahagu, Agusman's younger brother and accomplice, was sentenced to 20 years in prison, despite the prosecutors' request for life imprisonment.

Three of Agusman's subordinates – Anali Zalukhu, alias Ana, Desima Lahagu, alias Dedi, and Budi Rahmat Gulo, alias Rama – were sentenced to 10 years in prison.

The two tax officials were stabbed to death at Agusman's rubber plantation company's office in Jalan Yos Sudarso in Hilihao village, Gunung Sitoli, North Sumatra, on April 12, when they came to collect the arrears.

The prosecutors will file an appeal on the ground that the sentences are manifestly inadequate.