Iranian National Arrested for Stealing Cash at Munggu Minimarket

The Criminal Investigation Unit (Satreskrim) of Badung Police has arrested an Iranian national with the initials MA (63) on suspicion of stealing cash from a minimarket in the Munggu area, Mengwi District, Badung, Bali. MA made off with the minimarket’s money in the tourist area using a fake money-exchange ploy.

“We immediately examined the CCTV footage after receiving a report from the victim. Armed with those clues, the Samong Operational Team promptly arrested him at a guesthouse in Kerobokan Kelod,” said Head of Satreskrim at Badung Police, AKP Azarul Ahmad, on Thursday (16/7/2026).

The arrest followed the identification of the suspect from surveillance camera recordings. Police also coordinated with Immigration and managed to track MA’s location in North Kuta. Officers seized a small bag that he had used while committing the crime.

During interrogation, MA admitted to the act after police showed him CCTV footage from the scene. The foreign national confessed that the stolen money had already been spent on daily necessities.

Azarul revealed that the theft took place at a minimarket on Jalan Bypass Munggu-Tanah Lot, Munggu Village, in mid-June. The victim, who worked as the shop’s cashier, only realised Rp 1.1 million was missing after counting the store’s cash.

“The victim, Putu Dea, reported the incident on 15 June 2026. She only realised the money in the cash drawer was missing — Rp 1.1 million — when the shop closed,” said Azarul.

Azarul explained that MA initially came to the minimarket with a woman to buy two ice creams using a Rp 100,000 note. After receiving his change, the foreign man then asked the victim to exchange his banknotes for ones he considered to be in better condition.

“The suspect asked to swap his change on the pretext of looking for notes in good condition. He handed over two Rp 50,000 notes and insisted on picking out the notes himself,” Azarul said.

MA exploited the cashier’s momentary lapse to carry out his wicked scheme. With swift hand movements, the foreign man managed to take several banknotes from the victim’s grasp.

“As soon as the cashier was distracted, the suspect grabbed several Rp 100,000 notes from the stack of money. He put the money in his clothing pocket and then left with his companion. We have detained the suspect for further investigation,” Azarul concluded.