DENPASAR, Bali – An Algerian national accused of stealing merchandise from two major shopping malls in Bali is seeking an out-of-court settlement with the retailer while offering to compensate for the alleged losses, marking a new development in a case that has drawn attention beyond the criminal charges themselves.
The suspect, identified by his initials MBC, has admitted to taking Adidas products from stores at Beachwalk Shopping Center and Mall Bali Galeria, according to his lawyer. His wife, identified as LM, who was arrested in the same case, denies any involvement.
Their lawyer says the couple hopes the matter can be resolved through mediation before Indonesia’s legal process reaches trial.
Offering to Repay the Losses
Speaking outside Kuta Police Station on Monday, lawyer Florentina, also known as Laura, said her client is prepared to reimburse the retailer for merchandise valued at approximately Rp20 million (around US$1,200).
According to police investigators, the alleged theft involved clothing and caps taken from two Adidas outlets in Kuta.
“Our client wants to resolve the case responsibly. He is willing to compensate for the losses,” Florentina said.
She added that the defense also hopes Indonesian authorities will eventually allow MBC to be deported after the legal process is completed.
At this stage, police have not indicated whether mediation will affect the ongoing criminal proceedings.
Wife Denies Allegations
While MBC has acknowledged his role in the alleged theft, Florentina said his wife continues to deny participating in the incidents.
LM is currently being held separately at Kerobokan Women’s Prison, where she remains with the couple’s one-year-old child, who is permitted to stay with the mother because of the child’s age.
The family has previously attracted public attention after Florentina claimed both parents were experiencing severe psychological distress while in detention.
Health Concerns Continue
Florentina also said MBC remains under treatment by a urologist after reporting complications involving his reproductive health.
The medical condition has become part of a separate controversy after the defense alleged MBC was assaulted during his arrest in early June.
Indonesian police have firmly denied those allegations, saying his medical condition was not caused by physical abuse.
An internal investigation by the police’s Professional Standards and Security Division (Propam) is continuing, and no official findings have been released.
Police Say Mediation Is Up to the Parties
Kuta Police Chief Commissioner Laksmi Trisnadewi Wieryawan confirmed that internal investigators have interviewed officers regarding the complaint made by MBC’s legal team.
She also said police are not interfering with any efforts by the suspect and the retailer to pursue mediation.
“Since the beginning, Kuta Police have not intervened in any mediation between the parties,” she said.
Police added that MBC continues to receive medical treatment while the criminal investigation remains ongoing.
A Case Watched by Bali’s International Community
The case has attracted significant attention because it combines several issues that frequently concern Bali’s international residents and visitors: criminal accountability, police conduct, mental health in detention, and the treatment of foreign nationals within Indonesia’s legal system.
For now, the alleged theft case remains under investigation, while the defense pursues a negotiated settlement with the retailer. Whether that effort leads to a reduced legal outcome or eventual deportation will depend on decisions made by prosecutors and the Indonesian courts.
Until then, the criminal case and the separate allegations surrounding MBC’s arrest continue to move forward on parallel tracks, with authorities emphasizing that both processes remain ongoing.