Paspampres Commander Claims to have no Information on Illegal Gun

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Commander of the Indonesian Presidential Guard (Paspampres) Brig. Gen. Bambang Suswantono said that he has no information on the illegal firearm purchase by members of the Paspampres. Bambang responded "sorry, I don't know" to a short message sent by Tempo on Thursday evening, July 7, 2016.

The United States Federal Court is currently on the process of investigating an illegal firearm trafficking suspected to be committed by members of the Paspampres. Previously, Audi N. Sumilat, 36-year-old resident of El Paso, Texas, pleaded guilty for the purchase and smuggling of illegal firearms. Sumilat claimed the weapons were sold to the Paspampres.

US Attorney Assistant Bill Morse said that the case is unique because it involves foreign state officials.  

"But this is the first case that I'm aware of in which the intended beneficiaries of the trafficking were representatives of a foreign government," Morse stated as quoted by The Associated Press.

According to a release by the New Hamsphire District Court, Sumilat pleaded guilty for conspiracy charges and making false statement in records to be kept by federal firearms dealer and smuggled weapons from the US to Indonesia.

Sumilat said he joined a conspiracy to purchase firearms in Texas and New Hampshire for the Indonesian Presidential Guard.  Sumilat admitted that he and three Paspampres members came up with the plan on October 2014.

There has not been any information concerning the parties involved on the illegal international gun trafficking.

ADITYA BUDIMAN | NATALIA SANTI | JUSTICE.GOV