Indonesian authorities have detained a Pakistani man for allegedly defrauding a high-end restaurant in Bali using counterfeit bank transfer receipts to cover hefty bills.
According to a report by Dialogue Pakistan website, the restaurant, located in Bali’s Badung area and popular among foreign tourists, suffered losses amounting to approximately 30 million Indonesian rupiah (roughly 512,000 PKR). The 32-year-old Pakistani suspect reportedly employed this fraudulent tactic over three months, from April 16 to June 7.
While the identity of the suspect remains undisclosed, the Police Chief Commissioner of Mengwi district disclosed that the tourist consistently exploited the restaurant’s trust by presenting fabricated payment proof for numerous meals.
The scam came to light when a restaurant employee grew suspicious of a large food order placed on a Friday, which included a variety of dishes and ten bottles of beer. Upon investigation, it was discovered that the suspect had furnished a counterfeit transfer receipt, falsely indicating a payment of over IDR1 million under the name of Vikas Chahal.
Upon learning of the incident, the restaurant owner instructed the employee to scrutinize the order history associated with the name on the fake receipt. This inquiry revealed that the Pakistani individual had placed orders a total of 38 times, resulting in significant losses amounting to approximately IDR29.8 million for the establishment.
Although evidence of a transfer to the business account of PT Conscious Food Collective in the name of Vikas was presented, further examination confirmed that no funds had been deposited into the account.
Following intensive investigations, the National Operation Team of Mengwi Police apprehended the Pakistani suspect from a guest house in the Batu Bolong area of north Kuta.
“The offender ordered food 38 times and provided fake transfer receipts 32 times before consuming the food himself,” stated local police officials.
The Pakistani tourist now faces charges under Section 378 of the Penal Code for cheating, carrying a maximum prison sentence of five years.
