A foreign national has been detained by police in Kuta, Badung Regency, Bali, following an incident in which IDR 190 million was allegedly stolen from a money changer. The event, which occurred on Sunday afternoon (27 July 2025), has sparked widespread attention after a video of the scene went viral on social media.
The footage shows IDR 100,000 banknotes scattered across a road in Kuta, with several individuals attempting to collect the cash. A shirtless man, dressed in blue shorts and suspected of being the perpetrator, is seen being restrained by local residents.
The money was later gathered into a plastic bag and reportedly returned to the business from which it had allegedly been stolen.
Chief of Kuta Police Station (Kapolsek), Kompol Agus Riwayanto Diputra, confirmed the arrest and ongoing investigation. “The suspect (foreign national) has been detained at the police station,” he told Kompas.com. “We are currently collecting additional evidence. We will release the details shortly.”
When asked for further clarification, Kompol Agus noted that police are still working to confirm several aspects of the case. “The identity and other details are still being gathered; we will release them later,” he added.
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As of Monday morning, police have not publicly released the suspect’s name or nationality. The investigation is continuing, with officials examining witness statements, surveillance footage, and financial records from the affected money changer.
This incident adds to a series of recent cases involving foreign nationals and financial misconduct at money changers in Bali. Authorities have previously advised tourists to use only licensed money changers and exercise caution when engaging in cash transactions.
Previous Cases Highlight Ongoing Issues with Money Changers
In a separate case in 2024, a female tourist claimed she had been defrauded by a money changer in the Sanur area of South Denpasar. The incident took place on 10 April and was widely circulated on social media after the victim recorded her encounter with the establishment’s staff.
In the video, the tourist can be heard questioning the staff after receiving less money than expected. “So, was the guest’s money short when it was given? The guest’s money was short when it was given. What are the people of Sanur doing working like this here?” she repeated while filming the exchange.
An argument broke out when a female staff member objected to being recorded, stating that she had paid to operate the business. The tourist responded by saying that it was appropriate to record the interaction, particularly since it appeared fraudulent.
Chief of the Denpasar Selatan Police Station, Kompol Ida Ayu Made Kalpika Sari, commented on the incident at the time. “Our office had not yet received an official report from the victim,” she said, “Nevertheless, an investigation has already been initiated.”
She further confirmed that the money changer had closed abruptly following the video’s release. “The business in question is closed. Once it reopens, it should immediately clarify the matter at the Police Station Headquarters,” she added on 12 April 2024.
Both incidents illustrate the need for strengthened oversight and public awareness concerning money-changing services in Bali, particularly in tourist-heavy areas.
