Iranian National Arrested After Stealing Money from Australian Tourist in Ubud

An Iranian national identified as AF has been arrested by police in Denpasar after he stole money from an Australian tourist through a money exchange scam. The incident took place at a supermarket in Ubud, Gianyar. Gianyar Police Chief AKBP Chandra Kesuma stated during a press conference on Friday (5/6/2026) that the theft, which targeted an Australian citizen, occurred on 18 May 2026. The victim only reported the fraud three days later. Following an investigation, AF was apprehended at a hotel in Denpasar on Thursday (21/5/2026), where he was found alone in his room. Police are still searching for another foreigner involved in the case. CCTV footage from the supermarket showed AF operating alongside a woman, believed to be a foreign national, whose identity remains unknown. Based on physical characteristics and information from AF, the female accomplice is still being pursued. Dozens of Australian dollars, Singapore dollars, euros, and US dollars belonging to the Australian victim were seized from AF. He has been charged under Article 476 of the Criminal Code, which carries a maximum penalty of seven years in prison.