Inp.polri.go.id - Batam. The Barelang City Sub-regional Police in the Riau Islands arrested a Malaysian citizen, identified by the initials KCL, following an armed robbery and vehicle theft in the Batu Ampar area of Batam.

Barelang Police Head of Criminal Investigation Unit Police Senior Inspector Agung Tri Poerbowo explained that the incident occurred on Thursday around 2 pm. The suspect intercepted the victim, who had just managed vehicle taxes at the Harbour Bay, using an airsoft gun and a knife to force a bank transfer before fleeing with the victim's car and funds, incurring total damages estimated at Rp 292 million.

"The suspect threatened the victim using an airsoft gun and a sharp weapon, then forced the victim to transfer money to the suspect's personal account," Chief Agung said on Friday (6/11/2026)..

Following a public alarm raised by the victim, responding police units launched an immediate pursuit and arrested the suspect. Initial investigations revealed the suspect arrived in Batam for vacation in mid-September 2026 and resorted to armed robbery after depleting his financial resources. 

Officers confiscated the stolen vehicle, Rp 1 million in cash, an airsoft gun, and a knife as evidence. The suspect faces charges under New Criminal Cod), carrying a maximum penalty of nine years imprisonment.

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