TRIBUN BALI: International Gang Arrested for Celebrity Credit Card Theft in Bali

Details of the Arrest

The Gianyar Police in Bali have successfully dismantled an international gang involved in the theft of credit cards from high-profile individuals, including the husband of South Korean actress Jeon Hye Bin. Yoo Jae-Hyun, a dentist, reported his wallet missing while shopping in the tourist hotspot of Ubud, prompting a swift investigation by local authorities.

Upon discovering unauthorized transactions on his credit card, which included charges made as far away as Uganda, police launched an immediate inquiry. A joint task force from the Gianyar and Ubud Police meticulously reviewed CCTV footage and collected witness statements, leading to the arrest of the suspects, who are now in custody.

Modus Operandi of the Criminal Syndicate

Investigators revealed that the gang primarily targeted crowded tourist attractions, including Ubud Palace, Monkey Forest, and Ubud Main Road, where they could easily blend in with the throngs of visitors. Their strategy involved stealing wallets and credit cards from unsuspecting tourists, with five foreign victims already identified, suffering losses amounting to hundreds of millions of rupiah.

Police confiscated a range of items during the arrests, including card-processing devices, mobile phones, and ATM cards, all of which were used in the commission of these crimes. The scale of the operation underscores the vulnerability of tourists in popular destinations, highlighting the need for increased security measures.

Legal Consequences and Broader Implications

The suspects, which include four Indonesian citizens, two Chinese nationals, and four Mongolian nationals, face multiple charges under Indonesia's Criminal Code. If convicted, they could face up to seven years in prison, a significant penalty that reflects the severity of their crimes.

This incident not only raises concerns about the safety of tourists in Bali but also sheds light on the broader issue of organized crime targeting travelers worldwide. As tourism continues to recover post-pandemic, authorities are urged to enhance security protocols to protect visitors from such criminal activities.

Sources: Pencuri Kartu Kredit Artis Korea Jeon Hye Bin Diringkus Polres Gianyar Bali, Pelaku Lintas Negara; Tribun Bali