Badung Police’s Criminal Investigation Unit (Satreskrim) have arrested an Iranian national, identified by his initials MA, 63, on suspicion of stealing cashier money from a minimarket in the Munggu area of Mengwi District, Badung, Bali. MA is accused of taking the money using a scheme that involved pretending to exchange currency.
“We immediately investigated the CCTV footage after receiving a report from the victim. Using that lead, our Samong Operational Team arrested him at his lodging in Kerobokan Kelod,” said Badung Police Criminal Investigation Chief AKP Azarul Ahmad on Thursday, July 16, 2026.
How the Suspect Was Tracked Down
The arrest followed the identification of the suspect through CCTV footage. Police coordinated with Immigration and successfully tracked MA’s location to North Kuta. Officers also seized a small bag he had used during the incident.
During questioning, MA admitted to the act after police presented him with CCTV footage from the scene. He told police the stolen money had already been used for daily living expenses.
Details of the Theft
Azarul said the theft occurred at a minimarket on Jalan Bypass Munggu-Tanah Lot, Munggu Village, in mid-June. The store’s cashier only realized money was missing after tallying the till at closing.
“The victim, Putu Dea, reported the incident on June 15, 2026. She only realized Rp 1.1 million was missing from the cash drawer when the store closed,” Azarul said.
According to Azarul, MA had entered the minimarket with a woman to purchase two ice creams using a Rp 100,000 note. After receiving his change, he asked the cashier to swap the notes for ones in better condition.
“The suspect asked to exchange his change, claiming he wanted cleaner bills. He handed over two Rp 50,000 notes and asked to select the money himself,” Azarul said.
MA then exploited the cashier’s distraction to carry out the theft, using quick hand movements to take several notes from her grasp. “As soon as the cashier was distracted, the suspect grabbed several Rp 100,000 notes from the stack. He put the money in his clothing pocket and left with his companion. We have taken the suspect into custody for further investigation,” Azarul said.
