Two Turkish nationals who have been detained for skimming ATM machines in Bali will potentially face 7 years of imprisonment.
A 31-year-old man named Emrah Kilivan and a 24-year-old man named Abdullah Erkam Mercan attended their virtual trial on Tuesday (31/8) and accepted the prosecutor’s charges without any exceptions. The prosecutor, Ida Ayu Ketut Sulasmi confirmed that both suspects were arrested by police from out front of an ATM that is located on Jalan Imam Bonjol, Denpasar on May 31st 2021, admitting that they were asked by someone (who is now considered a fugitive) to skim ATM machines by installing a devices to copy the victims’ personal information.
“They were told to do these illegal activities by an unknown suspect and were promised to receive USD 1,400 (IDR 20 million) in return.” Sulasmi said on Tuesday (31/8). An investigation about this case began when the police received a report from one of the private banks as they found devices that were allegedly used to skim their ATM machines. According to the security cameras, the suspects installed several devices such as hidden cameras and routers to gain access to the victims’ personal information from their cards.
After getting arrested, the officers continued their operation to search their place called Villa Ball Billy Village that is located in Canggu North Kuta and seized several pieces of evidence from their villa. “During the police search in their villa in Canggu, they seized more evidence such as 195 magnetic strip cards, a magnetic card writer, 2 LAN wires and 2 routers. Both suspects will face 7 years of imprisonment to be held responsible for these crimes.” Sulasmi concluded.
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Ben
Thursday 2nd of September 2021
Why isn't Indonesia using the chip system instead of the magnetic stripe?
I've been skimmed a few years ago, they took about about 20 million IDR (which my bank did refund me eventually), but this makes it all far too easy.
It's very easy to get skimmed as well, especially for tourists: the card readers they attach don't look suspicious, and if you're not used to using that particular ATM you'd never think anything was wrong/different about it.
Randy
Monday 6th of September 2021
@Ben, whatever that may have happened to you a few years ago has changed with the local banking system as well with bank cards around the world.
Indonesia uses a chip method for local banking ATM’s cards and credit cards implemented like some three years ago. The cards have both a chip and a reader like anywhere in the world. Smarter to use a pin code for each retail transaction.
Withdrawing money is wiser at bank machines rather than inside a covenient store or at gas pump stations. A few friends have been skimmed for using their cards at self gas pumps in the US. Transaction for gas at cashier inside seems wiser. With both a Chip system and card reader you could still fall prey to unscrupulous criminals.
During pre-pandenic era, my bank has always been notified of any trips ahead especially in Europe on any suspicious withdrawls that you may not know. Better be safe than sorry.
Randy
Sunday 5th of September 2021
@Ben, whatever that may have happened to you a few years ago has changed with the local banking system.
Indonesia uses a chip method for local banking ATM's cards and credit cards implemented like some three years ago. The cards have both a chip and a reader like anywhere in the world. Smarter to use a pin code for each transaction.
Withdrawing money is wiser at bank machines rather than inside a covenient store or at gas pump stations. A few friends have been skimmed for using their cards at self gas pumps in the US. It can happen anywhere in the world. Chip system or not you could still fall prey to unscrupulous criminals.
There are some countries in Europe that my bank has warned me to be on the lookout when withdrawing money at ATM machines or pay at retail establishments while visiting during pre-pandemic era. Letting my bank know of a trip ahead would keep an eye on any suspicious withdrawls.
J West
Thursday 2nd of September 2021
Really? “ An I identified guy made me do it? “ That’s their defense? What nonsense. Proven by the amount of illegal equipment in their rented rooms. This duo were active intentional criminals, not victims. Throw the book at them, seven years for each real victim whose hard earned honest money they stole from. Cane them once a month so they never forget their victims.