UBUD, Bali – In a decisive blow against international financial crime, Gianyar Police have dismantled a sophisticated, cross-border credit card theft ring that targeted foreign tourists in the heart of one of Bali’s most popular destinations, Ubud.
The operation led to the arrest of ten suspects: four Indonesian citizens, two Chinese nationals, and four Mongolian nationals, who are accused of orchestrating a scam that caused losses estimated in the hundreds of millions of rupiah. The case highlights the globalized nature of crime in tourist hotspots and the vigilance required by visitors.
From a Stolen Wallet to a Global Trail
The investigation was triggered by the report of a high-profile victim: a South Korean tourist, the husband of renowned actress Jeon Hye Bin. After his wallet was stolen during a vacation in Ubud, he received notifications for suspicious digital transactions, including charges from merchants in Uganda and others within Indonesia.
This digital trail provided the critical lead. A joint task force from the Gianyar Police Criminal Investigation Unit (Satreskrim) and the Ubud Police Precinct launched an intensive probe, scouring CCTV footage and interviewing witnesses, which ultimately led to the arrest of the entire network.
A “Well-Structured and Coordinated” Criminal Enterprise
Gianyar Police Chief, AKBP Chandra C. Kesuma, detailed the syndicate’s meticulous organization. “This network had a clear structure: starting from the provider of EDC (Electronic Data Capture) machines, intermediaries, to the executors in the field. The field executors were all Mongolian nationals,” stated AKBP Chandra in a press release Tuesday evening (2/12/2025).
The roles within the syndicate were clearly defined:
- Field Executors (4 Mongolian Nationals): Designated individuals responsible for physically stealing wallets from tourists’ bags in crowded areas like Puri Ubud, Monkey Forest, and Ubud’s main streets.
- Intermediaries (2 Chinese Nationals): Tasked with distributing the portable EDC card machines used to process fraudulent transactions.
- EDC Machine Providers (4 Indonesian Nationals): Secured the point-of-sale terminals, reportedly from a major Indonesian bank.
Their modus operandi was swift: immediately after a wallet was stolen, the credit cards were “swiped” through the pre-arranged EDC machines. “The stolen credit cards were immediately swiped, and the funds were sent abroad, with some also transferred to accounts in Indonesia,” explained AKBP Chandra. Police successfully traced the illicit cash flow to destination accounts as far away as Uganda.
The Aftermath and a Warning to Travelers
To date, police have identified five foreign tourist victims: three South Koreans and two Chinese nationals, each suffering losses reaching hundreds of millions of rupiah. Evidence seized includes three EDC machines, nine mobile phones, ATM cards, and clothing used during the thefts.
“All suspects from this one network have been apprehended completely. The police reaffirm their commitment to safeguarding Bali’s tourist areas from transnational crime,” emphasized AKBP Chandra.
The suspects face charges under Article 363 of the Indonesian Criminal Code (KUHP) concerning theft or Article 480 regarding the possession of stolen goods, carrying a maximum penalty of seven years imprisonment. The suspects and evidence were handed over to the Gianyar District Prosecutor’s Office on Wednesday (3/12).
What This Means for Travelers in Bali
This bust serves as a critical reminder for visitors to remain vigilant. While Bali’s police have demonstrated effective action against organized crime, tourists are advised to:
- Keep wallets, phones, and passports secure in closed bags, especially in crowded areas.
- Enable instant transaction notifications on credit and debit cards.
- Report any theft or suspicious charges to local police immediately.
The swift resolution of this international scheme underscores Bali’s ongoing efforts to protect its status as a world-class destination, even as criminals employ increasingly sophisticated, borderless tactics.
Reported by Agung Fabio
Written by Hey Bali Newsroom