Exposed: Iranian National's Method of Swindling Australian Tourist in Ubud
Police have uncovered the method used by an Iranian national, identified as AF, to steal money from an Australian tourist in the Ubud area of Gianyar, Bali. AF has now been arrested and named as a suspect.
Gianyar Police Chief AKBP Chandra Kesuma revealed that AF relied on sleight of hand when swindling the victim at a supermarket on Jalan Raya Andong, Ubud, on 18 May. AF initially pretended to exchange dollar notes for smaller denominations with the victim.
“The method was a currency exchange where the amount did not match what was agreed upon, relying on sleight of hand,” Chandra stated during a press conference at Gianyar Police Station on Friday (5 June 2026).
Police suspect AF acted with a foreign woman who remains at large. According to Chandra, AF and his female companion were seen in CCTV footage from the supermarket.
Based on the CCTV recording, AF was seen exiting to the supermarket car park and approaching an Australian tourist. AF then greeted the victim and requested to exchange currency.
Later, the victim realised that the amount of money exchanged by AF did not match the promise. Consequently, the Australian tourist lost four US$100 notes, nine S$50 notes, one Australian dollar note, and one Euro note.
“This Australian was approached by the perpetrator (AF). They chatted about currency exchange. So, when exchanging the money, AF used sleight of hand,” Chandra explained.
Chandra said AF carried out his actions with a foreign woman who is now a fugitive. According to him, AF and his female companion are known to have used fake passports during their stay on the Island of the Gods.
“Because they used fake passports, we are still investigating. However, their physical characteristics and clothing have been identified,” Chandra concluded.
AF was arrested by police at a hotel in Denpasar on Thursday (21 May). Police are still pursuing AF’s female companion, who is suspected of being involved in the crime.
In addition to arresting AF, police also seized evidence including dozens of Australian dollar, Singapore dollar, Euro, and United States dollar notes stolen by the Iranian man. For his actions, AF is charged under Article 476 of the Criminal Code, which carries a maximum sentence of seven years’ imprisonment.