An Azerbaijani national, on suspicion of stealing money from a money changer in Kuta, Badung District, Bali. (Rachel Fera Melope/Facebook (via @hallodenpasar)).
Authorities in Bali have apprehended a foreign national following a brazen daylight robbery at a money changer in Kuta, Badung. The incident, which occurred on Sunday, involved two individuals who allegedly impersonated Interpol agents and attempted to seize a large sum of money from two local employees.
The suspect, identified as TFO (35), a citizen of Azerbaijan, was arrested by the Kuta Police after allegedly stealing IDR 191,151,000 from a money changer operated by PT. Arta Jaya Dewata. The attempted robbery took place at Aura Segara Villa, located on Jalan Segara Merta, Tuban, Kuta.
“The total amount of money stolen by the perpetrator was 191,150,000 rupiahs. The perpetrator strangled and held the victim, then took the money from the table and fled,” Sukadi explained.
Details of the Incident
According to Denpasar Police Spokesperson Ajun Komisaris Polisi (AKP) Ketut Sukadi, the Azerbaijani national had contacted PT. Arta Jaya Dewata with a request to exchange 12,000 US dollars. The suspect instructed the operator to deliver the equivalent amount in rupiah to a specific location, identified as Aura Segara Villa.
Two employees of the money changer, Moch Yehezkiel Tan and M. Faisal, transported the cash to the designated villa. Upon arrival, after verifying the amount, they were approached by an individual claiming to be affiliated with Interpol, who then physically assaulted them. The individual is believed to be an accomplice of the arrested suspect.
Failed Getaway and Arrest
As the perpetrators attempted to flee the scene, one of the employees managed to obstruct their escape by colliding with the motorcycle used in the operation. The collision caused the suspect to fall and spilled a substantial amount of cash across the road.
Local residents and Kuta Police officers responded quickly, resulting in the arrest of TFO. Despite the swift response, the second suspect, known only by the name Johny, managed to escape. Police have yet to disclose Johny’s nationality but confirmed he is also believed to be a foreign national.
Police Investigation and Ongoing Search
Following the arrest, TFO admitted his involvement in the robbery and identified Johny as his accomplice. Police have placed the Azerbaijani national in custody at the Kuta Police Station, where he is undergoing further investigation.
Authorities are actively pursuing the second suspect and continuing their investigation into the incident. No additional details regarding the identity or whereabouts of Johny have been released at this time.
“The motive was economic, to meet the necessities of life,” Sukadi concluded.
Next Steps
TFO remains in police custody while the search for his accomplice continues. Investigators are working to determine the full scope of the operation and whether additional individuals were involved. The case is being handled by the Kuta Police under the coordination of the Denpasar Police Department.
