Two Motorcycle Thieves in Serang Rent Guns from Karawang Resident, Police Pursue Owner

Police have revealed the origin of two firearms used by two motorcycle theft suspects in Serang. The two suspects, Hasan Basri (25) and Aiko Swari (27), rented homemade pistols from someone in Karawang, West Java. “The suspects obtained the firearms from a Karawang resident on a rental basis,” stated Ciruas Police Chief, Kompol Salahuddin, on Friday (24/4/2026). He explained that the suspects rented the firearms each time they planned to carry out a crime. Police described this rental system as a new modus operandi that is disturbing because it makes it easier for perpetrators to obtain weapons. “For every motorbike successfully stolen by the suspects, the firearm owner receives a rental fee of Rp1 million for the two pistols,” he clarified. Salahuddin added that the firearm rental transactions were conducted indirectly. The suspects handed over money to a trusted intermediary of the owner, who then forwarded the funds via bank transfer. “The payment method involves handing over money to an intermediary trusted by the owner, then transferring it to the individual,” he revealed. Salahuddin emphasised that illegal firearm ownership is a serious concern for the police because it has the potential to be used in various criminal acts that endanger the public. “We will continue to develop this case to uncover the illegal firearm supply network that provides weapons to criminals,” he said. Police Pursue Firearm Owner Currently, police are still pursuing a man with the initials BR, suspected to be the owner of the firearms. His identity and whereabouts have been obtained by investigators. “We have the identity of the firearm owner and are currently pursuing him. We assure that he will be dealt with firmly in accordance with applicable law,” he stated. Previously, police received a report of a stolen motorcycle on Saturday (18/4) at 22.30 WIB. Then, on Sunday (19/4) around 01.45 WIB, officers found the victim’s vehicle being ridden by the two suspects. However, when attempting to stop them, one of the suspects pointed a firearm at the pursuing officers. “The suspects initially resisted by brandishing a firearm, so the officers continued the pursuit cautiously,” explained Serang Police Chief, AKBP Andri Kurniawan, on Tuesday (21/4). The officers then trailed the two suspects until they entered a rented house in Cikande sub-district. After confirming the suspects’ location, the team raided on Sunday (19/4) around 11.30 WIB. “During the arrest, the two suspects were secured without significant resistance,” Andri revealed.