Helena Lim, a defendant in a corruption case involving tin management, reflected on the high price of fame during her personal plea in the Central Jakarta Corruption Court on Thursday (12/12/2024). She expressed how the title of “crazy rich” associated with her has now crumbled.
Price of Popularity
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Sacrifices for Recognition: Helena spoke of finding happiness as the emptiness in her life was filled with public acknowledgment. However, she lamented that the price of this popularity was incredibly high. She believed all her sacrifices since adolescence paid off when her integrity and honesty turned into the foundation of her recognition, even though it crumbled later due to the corruption case involving Rp 300 trillion.
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Biblical Reference: Quoting Colossians 2:8-9, Helena claimed she never intended to profit illegally from her mining business. She denounced the prosecutor’s demand of 8 years in prison, a fine of Rp 1 billion, and Rp 210 billion in restitution as unjust.
Allegations and Defense
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Coerced Estimates: Helena stated that the total transactions of Rp 420 billion through her money changer company were estimates coerced by investigators and not based on facts presented in court. She denied engaging in fictitious transactions with private smelters.
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Fair Profits: She defended the legitimacy of her profits, rejecting the accusation of being a coordinator for smelters’ fund collection and money laundering. Helena claimed her earnings from foreign exchange transactions were reasonable and in line with prevailing regulations.
Unfair Treatment
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Administrative Negligence: Helena admitted to administrative oversights in PT Quantum Skyline Exchange’s operations but felt unjustly targeted with accusations of aiding corruption and money laundering.
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Inability to Pay: She expressed inability to afford the Rp 210 billion restitution, emphasizing it was based on pressured estimations. Helena sought fair consideration from the judges, fearing a 12-year sentence due to her financial incapacity.
Helena Lim had been charged under corruption and money laundering laws, with the prosecutor alleging violations of specific legal articles.
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