Kupang Teen Girl Steals Adoptive Mother's Gold to Buy iPhone
Kupang — A female teenager identified by the initials PS (15) has been arrested by police on suspicion of stealing gold belonging to her adoptive mother in order to buy an iPhone. The incident occurred in Fatululi, Oebobo District, Kupang City, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT). PS is currently undergoing questioning at Kupang City Police.
“We secured the suspect as she was about to leave a guesthouse on Jalan Frans Seda, Kupang City, on Wednesday night (4 March 2026),” said AKP Jumpatua Simanjorang, Head of the Criminal Investigation Unit (Kasatreskrim) of Kupang City Police, to detikBali on Thursday (5 March 2026).
Jumpatua explained the case occurred on Monday afternoon (2 March 2026). PS’s adoptive mother, DA, had been busy tidying belongings after moving house to Fatululi. DA stored a bag containing several pieces of gold jewellery in front of a wardrobe. PS entered the room and took all of the jewellery. DA only realised the loss when inspecting the bag and finding the jewellery missing. Suspicions then pointed to the adoptive daughter as the only other person present at home. However, PS did not admit to the theft when questioned and also blocked DA’s contact number. DA subsequently reported the case to Kupang City Police on Tuesday (3 March 2026).
Following the report, police launched an investigation. PS was arrested at a guesthouse on Jalan Frans Seda. Under interrogation, PS admitted the gold jewellery had already been sold to someone in the vicinity of Tedis Beach, Kota Lama District, Kupang City.
“It is very regrettable that the suspect stole merely to buy an iPhone 11 Pro and use it to have fun with her friends. This should remind us all of the importance of supervising our children’s circle of friends,” Jumpatua said. At present, Jumpatua stated, the Crime Investigation Unit has secured one iPhone 11 Pro purchased with the proceeds of the theft, along with a pledge document for the gold. Police have also detained a man suspected of being the receiver of the stolen goods. “The offender is undergoing intensive questioning. We will conduct a case review to elevate the status to inquiry, seize the evidence in full, and continue to develop potential involvement of other parties,” he added.