Two Iranian Nationals Arrested for Stealing Money from Trader in Tabanan
The Tabanan Police have successfully uncovered a theft case involving a grocery trader in Banjar Dinas Bajera Jero, Bajera Village, Selemadeg District, Tabanan. Two foreign nationals from Iran, identified by the initials MB (47) and HM (54), were arrested by the Tabanan Police Criminal Investigation Unit at an inn in Kuta, Badung, on Sunday (20/9) night.
The duo is suspected of stealing the trader’s money on Friday (18/9) using a currency exchange modus operandi. The Chief of Tabanan Police, AKBP I Putu Bayu Pati, stated that the arrest was made after police received information from the public regarding the alleged theft.
“Essentially, we secured them last night (Sunday). Currently, they are still undergoing further investigation by the Criminal Investigation Unit team,” said Bayu Pati during an interview on Monday (21/9/2026).
According to Bayu, the preliminary modus operandi being investigated involves exchanging dollars for rupiah in specific amounts, then providing excess change to confuse the victim. In their operation, the two foreign nationals allegedly divided roles, with one communicating with the trader and the other diverting their attention.
“The temporary modus operandi we have obtained is that the two perpetrators exchanged money by providing excess amounts and divided roles. One handled the conversation while the other distracted the trader,” he said.
In this case, the victim lost approximately Rp800,000. The police are still investigating the process of money transfer during the transaction and matching witness statements with evidence found at the scene.
Investigators also found information regarding an alleged attempt to cover the CCTV camera during the incident. However, this is still being investigated to confirm the motive. The police have found no indication of hypnosis being used.
“For now, the investigation shows there was no element of using hypnosis as a tactic,” said Bayu.
After arresting both individuals at an inn in Kuta, the police brought MB and HM to the Tabanan Police Headquarters for questioning. Investigators are also tracing the possibility that the pair have committed similar acts in other areas.
The police are currently checking for reports involving the same modus operandi and investigating the possibility of their involvement in a syndicate.
“We are still investigating whether there were similar reports during their two or three days of operation, including whether they are part of a syndicate,” he emphasised.
Initial information suggests that both suspects allegedly arrived from East Java and entered Bali via land from Banyuwangi. The police are still cross-referencing this information with their travel history and the possibility of similar reports in other regions.
As of now, MB and HM are still undergoing interrogation at the Tabanan Police Headquarters. The police are also investigating the possibility of other victims and the involvement of other parties in the crime.