KARANGASEM, DEWATA.NEWS – Police in Karangasem have arrested two suspected street snatch thieves believed to have operated across multiple regencies in Bali and frequently targeted foreign tourists. The arrests end a manhunt that lasted more than two months.
The case came to light following a report from a foreign tourist from Uzbekistan, identified by the initials IF, who was robbed in October 2025. At the time of the incident, the victim was riding a motorcycle along the Karangasem–Denpasar route in Antiga when two men on another motorcycle allegedly approached from the left and deliberately struck the victim’s vehicle.
The impact caused the victim to fall onto the road. The suspects then allegedly seized an iPhone 16 Pro Max mounted on the motorcycle’s rearview mirror holder before fleeing toward Denpasar. The incident resulted in estimated losses of around Rp21 million.
Following the report, investigators from the Karangasem Police Criminal Investigation Unit launched an intensive investigation. The operation was carried out in coordination with the mobile detective unit of the Bali Regional Police.
Head of Public Relations at the Karangasem Police, Joseph Edward Purba, said the first suspect was apprehended in Denpasar earlier this month.
“The intensive investigation conducted by the Karangasem Police, together with the Bali Regional Police’s mobile unit, has produced results,” Purba said on Tuesday, January 6, 2026.
The first suspect, identified as INB, also known as B (26), is a resident of Tianyar Tengah, Kubu District, Karangasem. Further investigation led officers to Banjar Dinas Munti Gunung, also in Kubu District, where the second suspect, IWG, also known as B (29), was arrested.
According to police, both suspects are considered street crime specialists who operated across several regencies, including Karangasem, Klungkung, Denpasar, and Gianyar.
“They did not operate in just one location. Their activities spanned multiple regencies and often targeted foreign tourists,” Purba said.
Police seized evidence including a blue Honda PCX motorcycle allegedly used in the crime and the victim’s iPhone. Both suspects are currently being held at the Karangasem Police detention facility for further legal proceedings.
The suspects have been charged under Article 479 of the Indonesian Criminal Code for theft with violence, which carries a maximum sentence of nine years in prison.
Police also urged residents and visitors to remain vigilant while traveling.
“We advise people not to display valuables openly, such as placing mobile phones on motorcycle holders, and to always prioritize safety on the road,” Purba said.