UBUD, Bali – What began as a conversation in a supermarket parking lot ended with an Australian tourist unknowingly handing over hundreds of dollars.
Weeks later, police arrested an Iranian national they say orchestrated the scam.
Authorities in Bali say an Iranian citizen identified only by the initials AF has been arrested following an investigation into an alleged theft targeting a foreign tourist in Ubud, one of the island’s busiest destinations for international visitors.
Police say the suspect used a simple approach.
Conversation first.
Money second.
Then speed.
“The method involved offering a currency exchange and manipulating the amount using hand speed techniques,” Gianyar Police Chief AKBP Chandra Kesuma said Friday.
A Parking Lot Conversation
According to investigators, the incident occurred on May 18 at a supermarket along Jalan Raya Andong in Ubud.
Police say the Australian tourist was approached in the parking area by AF, who initiated a conversation before offering to exchange larger foreign currency notes into smaller denominations.
At some point during the exchange, investigators say the suspect manipulated the transaction.
The tourist did not immediately realize anything was wrong.
Only after the suspect had left did the victim discover that the amount received did not match what had been agreed upon.
Police say the tourist lost four US$100 bills, nine Singapore $50 notes, one Australian banknote, and one euro note.
Arrest in Denpasar
Following an investigation, police arrested AF at a hotel in Denpasar on May 21.
According to investigators, the suspect was alone inside the hotel room when officers arrived.
Authorities have not disclosed whether any of the stolen money was recovered.
Police Believe a Second Person Was Involved
Investigators do not believe AF acted alone.
Police say supermarket CCTV footage appears to show a foreign woman accompanying the suspect during the incident.
She remains unidentified and is still being sought.
Authorities are also investigating whether false travel documents may have been used.
“Because fake passports may have been used, the investigation is continuing,” Chandra said.
Police say investigators have already obtained physical descriptions and clothing details believed to be connected to the second suspect.
A Familiar Tourist Scam
Ubud attracts millions of visitors each year.
And while violent crime remains relatively uncommon, police say tourists should remain cautious when approached by strangers offering informal currency exchanges or financial assistance.
For now, one suspect is in custody.
Investigators are still searching for another.
And police are trying to determine whether this was an isolated incident or part of something larger.