DENPASAR – Tourist theft in Bali remains a concern as a 20-year-old man from Malang, identified as FI, was arrested for stealing a Russian tourist’s bag at Pererenan Beach, Mengwi, Badung, on Tuesday (4/2) afternoon.
Badung Police Public Relations Officer, IPDA Putu Sukarma, stated that the incident occurred around 12:00 WITA when the victim, GK (31), was relaxing on the beach and placed his black bag on the sand.
“When the victim returned from his walk, he discovered his bag was missing,” Sukarma explained on Wednesday (5/2).
The stolen bag contained valuable items, including an iPhone 12 Pro Max, three ID cards, AirPods, and IDR 50,000 in cash. Realizing his belongings had been taken, GK immediately reported the theft to Mengwi Police Station.
Upon receiving the report, the police launched an investigation around the crime scene, interviewing witnesses and gathering evidence. Their search led them to a construction site in Seseh Village, Mengwi. Later that same day, officers raided the site and apprehended FI.
Police recovered the stolen bag and its contents at the location. During questioning, FI admitted to stealing the bag due to financial difficulties. After taking it, he checked its contents in a nearby restroom and disposed of certain items, including the ID cards and AirPods, in the area.
To evade detection, FI removed the SIM card from the stolen iPhone and threw it into the sea. He took the phone and the remaining cash back to his residence.
FI is now facing charges under Article 362 of the Indonesian Criminal Code (KUHP) for theft, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison.