Pickpocketing In Mandalika Reveals The International Network, And Big Plans At The 2020 MotoGP Event

Pickpockets in action in the stands at the Mandalika circuit (Photo: DOC ANTARA)

JAKARTA - The arrest of eight pickpockets from two groups at the World Superbike (WSBK) event at the Mandalika Circuit, Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) became an important moment for the police in eradicating international pickpocket syndicates or networks. Because, if they qualify, their big plan for pickpocketing in a number of countries will be realized.

Based on information from the Director of General Criminal Investigation (Direskrimum) of the NTB Police, Grand Commissioner of Police Hari Brata, as quoted by VOI, Thursday, November 25, it was stated that three of the eight pickpockets belonged to one family. DC, LO, DA are one family. While AW is their neighbor. While the other four pickpockets have no family relationship.

Based on the investigation conducted by the police, it was later discovered that there were relations between international groups in the LA, DC, DA, and AW actions. Reportedly they have big plans for action in the 2022 MotoGP event. They plan to invite pickpockets from Malaysia, Turkey, Thailand, Singapore, and the Philippines to act in the MotoGP event later. It is also known that the perpetrators had previously acted at the Sepang Circuit, Malaysia to Singapore.

Furthermore, as explained by Grand Commissioner of Police Hari Brata, explained that the arrests of the eight pickpockets were on different days, namely Saturday, November 20, and Sunday, November 21. A family of pickpockets, DC, LO, DA, and their neighbor, WA, were arrested on Sunday.

Hari explained to reporters during a press conference. One family of pickpockets does not only act in Lombok. In fact, Hari said, they were pickpocketing abroad. And it is recorded that this pickpocket gang has acted 50 times in various regions, including abroad, such as Singapore and Malaysia.

"So they do not only operate in Lombok, but in other areas such as Batam, where they have been mugged 50 times, even to Malaysia and Singapore," said Hari.

He also explained that these four pickpockets had come from Jakarta, staying in NTB, since Friday, November 19. Hari said they were staying at a boarding house in Gerupuk Village. To get to the location of the race, the gang rented a vehicle.

"Four of them (one family) have been named as suspects. While the other four are still being investigated, and we will continue to develop so that we can successfully capture their gang to its roots," said Hari.

Based on the results of the police investigation of the pickpockets, they have their respective roles.

"The perpetrator's child acts as a diversion, the mother acts as the executor, the neighbor of the perpetrator passes the goods, and finally the husband or father of the perpetrator acts as a collector of goods," said Hari Brata.

One of them was later caught while at the Mandalika Circuit. Meanwhile, the other three were arrested at Lembar Harbor. Hari said the perpetrators were charged with Article 363 concerning theft with a maximum imprisonment of seven years.