Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — A long-running theft syndicate at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport has been exposed, leading to the arrest of four baggage handlers working in the cargo warehouse of PT JAS. From the arrest, authorities managed to seized 15 branded watches.
The suspects, identified by their initials FMD alias D, R, US, and YH, were apprehended by the Soekarno-Hatta Airport Police. They were arrest in charges of stealing passenger belongings using a luggage-slashing method which has been operated from 2019 to 2024.
The scheme was uncovered following a complaint filed by a passenger on December 9, 2024, regarding a missing watch at PT JAS’s Import Warehouse in Soekarno-Hatta Airport.
“After receiving a report of a missing watch, our Criminal Investigation Unit conducted witness interviews, questioning a total of eight people, and carried out a crime scene investigation,” said Soekarno-Hatta Airport Deputy Police Chief AKBP Joko Sulistiono on Tuesday (February 11, 2025), as reported by Liputan6.
In addition to witness statements, authorities reviewed CCTV footage and examined staff records from the scene. The investigation led to the identification of the four suspects, who later confessed to stealing multiple luxury watches that were still in their original packaging.
From the arrest, authorities managed to seized 15 branded watches stolen by the syndicate. “We have seized 14 pieces of evidence, including 15 branded watches, an invoice, and other supporting documents,” Sulistiono added.
Modus Operandi
Soekarno-Hatta Airport Police Criminal Investigation Chief Kompol Yandri Mono revealed that the theft syndicate used a luggage-slashing method to steal valuables. The syndicate specifically targeted suitcases that were not securely wrapped in plastic, using a cutter to access easily reachable items inside.
“They admitted to using a luggage-slashing technique, where they looked for bags that were not fully sealed. They then used a cutter to extract valuables within easy reach,” Yandri explained.
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The thefts had been ongoing for five years, from 2019 until their recent exposure in 2024. Aside from luxury watches, the syndicate also stole high-end electronics, including dozens of smartphones and branded clothing.
“Their motive was purely financial, selling stolen items for profit. For instance, these watches were sold for Rp2 million to Rp3 million ($130-$200) each via online platforms and e-commerce,” Yandri concluded.
Authorities have vowed to crack down on similar crimes at Soekarno-Hatta Airport, emphasizing stricter monitoring and security measures to prevent future incidents. The arrests serve as a warning that law enforcement remains vigilant against airport theft syndicates operating in Indonesia’s busiest travel hub
(Raidi/Agung)
