BLITAR – Authorities in East Java are intensifying their probe into an alleged illegal prison fees Blitar scandal, with three correctional officers now under formal investigation.

The officers, identified by their initials AK, WG, and R, previously served at Blitar Class IIB Prison. Officials transferred them to the East Java Regional Office of the Directorate General of Corrections on April 27, where investigators continue questioning them.

Blitar Prison Chief Iswandi confirmed that the three officers had undergone initial internal questioning. However, inconsistent statements during that process prompted authorities to escalate the case for deeper examination at the regional level.

“Currently, all three are being examined by the East Java Directorate General of Corrections. We do not yet know how long the process will take,” Iswandi said.

So far, investigators have not named any additional suspects. Iswandi said he hopes the case involves only the three officers, but he stressed that his office will fully support the investigation.

Early findings point to suspected illegal payments between prison staff and inmates. Investigators believe the transactions may involve both cash and bank transfers, but they have not secured solid proof.

“At this stage, we only have verbal statements. There is no concrete proof yet, like transaction receipts, which would significantly strengthen the case,” Iswandi explained.

He added that prison regulations strictly limit inmates from holding large sums of cash. Each inmate may only keep up to Rp 300,000 (around $20) for internal transactions within the facility.

Investigators also revealed that several corruption inmates were initially unaware of the alleged payments made on their behalf. Over time, visiting family members reportedly disclosed that they had given money to prison staff.

Authorities suspect that two security staff members carried out the illegal collections, allegedly with the knowledge of the prison’s head of security, identified as AK. At the time the case surfaced, AK was reportedly attending training outside the city.

The investigation remains ongoing as officials work to verify financial trails and determine the full extent of the alleged scheme.