UBUD, Bali — An American tourist returned to his villa in Bali to discover that his rental motorbike had disappeared while he was travelling in Bangkok, Thailand. Police have arrested a Congolese man suspected of stealing the vehicle.
The tourist had left a white Honda ADV motorbike at a villa in the Sayan area of Ubud, Gianyar, before travelling overseas. According to local media reports, he took the main key with him but left a spare key at the property.
During his absence, a Congolese national identified by police as JAA reportedly stayed at the same villa. When the American returned, he discovered that the motorbike was missing.
After unsuccessfully asking people at the property about the vehicle’s whereabouts, the tourist reported the incident to police.
The stolen motorbike, a 2024 Honda ADV, was valued at approximately Rp47 million (US$2,800).
Congolese National Arrested
Bali Police General Crimes Investigation Director Senior Commissioner Lintar Mahardhono confirmed the arrest during a press conference in Denpasar on Monday, November 9.
According to Lintar, the suspect took advantage of an opportunity to steal the motorbike while it was parked near the villa.
Police said JAA allegedly acted alone and that investigators had found no evidence linking him to a wider motorcycle theft network.
The case is being handled by Gianyar Police, which has jurisdiction over the Ubud area.
The suspect remains subject to criminal proceedings and has not been convicted.
Part of Wider Vehicle Theft Operation
The arrest was among the cases highlighted during a Bali Police operation targeting motorcycle and vehicle theft between October 27 and November 7.
Police said officers arrested 62 suspects in connection with 48 reported vehicle theft cases across the island.
During the operation, authorities recovered 54 motorcycles and one car, along with other evidence including vehicle documents, keys and surveillance footage.
Investigators said vehicle thieves had used several methods, including targeting motorcycles left unlocked, using modified or duplicate keys, and taking advantage of keys left unattended.
Police have urged residents and tourists to secure their vehicles and avoid leaving keys accessible, even when parking at private properties.
The investigation into the alleged theft involving the American tourist remains ongoing.
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