Motorcycle thief in Tebet used replica mobile phones as collateral

Police have uncovered the details of a fraud and motorcycle theft case involving an individual with the initials SFX on Jalan Tekukur, Tebud, South Jakarta. The suspect used two replica mobile phones as collateral before absconding with the victim’s vehicle.

“The individual had prepared a black bag containing two mobile phones, specifically replica versions of an iPhone 17 Pro Max and a Samsung Z-Fold,” stated the Tebet Police Chief, AKP Ischak, during a press conference at the Tebet Police Station on Tuesday.

He noted that the suspect, also known as Kates, sought potential victims through Facebook and approached them to inspect the vehicle and its ownership documents. After examining the vehicle’s registration (STNK), ownership book (BPKB), and invoice, the suspect requested permission to perform a test drive. Believing the items left behind by the suspect were of high value, the victim permitted the test drive.

While the victim went inside the house to call family members, the suspect immediately started the engine and fled with the motorcycle. Following an investigation, police successfully arrested the suspect and seized evidence including a Honda Vario motorcycle, vehicle documents, a black bag, two replica mobile phones, a mask, a jacket, and the clothing worn by the perpetrator during the crime.

During interrogation, the suspect admitted to committing similar crimes approximately ten times across South and North Jakarta using the same modus operandi. For his actions, the suspect faces charges under Articles 476 and 492 of the Criminal Code (KUHP) as regulated by Law Number 1 of 2023, with a maximum prison sentence of five years.