Suspect arrested for mugging German national in Surabaya

Police have arrested KRH (26), the suspect in the mugging of a German national in Surabaya, East Java. Officers had to shoot KRH as he attempted to resist arrest.

‘We took measured and firm action due to his resistance against our officers. This is our commitment to maintaining a safe and comfortable Surabaya,’ said AKP M. Prasetyo, Head of the Criminal Investigation Unit at Tanjung Perak Port Police Resort, according to detikJatim on Sunday, 31 May 2026.

Prasetyo stated the suspect was apprehended by officers on Saturday, 30 May. KRH is a resident of Wonokromo, Surabaya.

The mugging occurred on Sunday, 3 May 2026, on Karet Street in Surabaya. The victim, Nina Vanessa Gerken (36), a German national. Police noted the suspect had no fixed residence, complicating the search.

Prasetyo explained the arrest began with enhanced routine activities (KRYD). The Rapid Reaction Unit of the Tanjung Perak Port Police Resort investigated the violent theft incident on Karet Street, Surabaya.

‘Officers conducted initial crime scene processing, interviewed the victim and witnesses, and analysed CCTV footage around the area. From the CCTV analysis, they obtained descriptions of the suspect which were further investigated to identify the suspect,’ he said.

Police then received information that the suspect worked on Embong Malang Street. ‘As the suspect left his workplace, officers immediately arrested him in front of Embong Malang Street. Upon inspection, the vehicle used by the suspect was found,’ he added.

Previously reported, Nina Gerken was walking while on a video call with her partner when a man snatched her iPhone 13 Pro in blue with a dark green case. The victim screamed for help and reported the incident to Tanjung Perak Port Police Resort at around 18:30 WIB the same day.