Thomas, who served as commerce minister from 2015 to 2016, was arrested by the AGO late last month for alleged embezzlement from a sugar import project in 2015 that resulted in a state loss of R400 billion (US$25.38 million).

The former minister reportedly authorized private company PT Angel Product (AP) to import 105,000 tonnes of raw sugar, despite existing regulations stipulating that only state-owned enterprises (SOEs) can import the commodity and a ministerial coordination meeting concluded that there was already a sugar surplus . raw sugar at the national level.

Ari Yusuf Amir, head of Thomas’ legal advisory team, said in a media briefing on Monday that they found the AGO’s decision to arrest the former minister “confusing” and claimed the legal allegations against him were “dubious”.

“According to the data we collected, there was never a sugar surplus (in Thomas’ time), which surprised us,” Ari said. “So it would be great if researchers at the AGO shared their findings with us.”

Thomas also said it was “impossible to have a surplus of sugar” when he recently placed the import order, according to Ari.

Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday morning.

Delivered straight to your inbox three times a week, this special briefing provides a concise overview of the day’s biggest topics, covering a wide range of topics from politics to culture and society.

for signing up to our newsletter!

Please check your email for your newsletter subscription.

View More Newsletters

Also read: Former minister Thomas Lembong arrested in sugar import corruption case