Former Indonesian Army Soldier Involved in Cross-City Motorcycle Theft Arrested by Police

MEDAN, KOMPAS.com - The Resmob Team of the Satreskrim Polrestabes Medan police has arrested five individuals suspected of involvement in motorcycle thefts across several areas in North Sumatra.

One of those detained is Gandi (39), a resident of Geuceu Meunara Village, Jaya Baru District, Banda Aceh City, who is reportedly a former member of the Indonesian Army (TNI AD).

The police stated that Gandi was dismissed from the TNI for desertion lasting one month.

Head of the Resmob Unit at Satreskrim Polrestabes Medan, Police Inspector Ramadhani Bimo Setiadi, said Gandi was caught along with four others: Muhammad Teguh Fadilla, Jerry, Arjunaidi Siregar, and Afner Harahap.

"All the suspects detained played various roles, some as motorcycle thieves and others as receivers (fences)," Bimo said on Friday (18/9/2026).

Former TNI member due to desertion

Bimo confirmed that Gandi is indeed a former TNI member.

According to him, Gandi was discharged after deserting for one month.

"Yes, it’s true (former TNI), because of desertion lasting one month. The suspect along with his friend (Jerry) committed thefts in two locations in the Gaperta area," he explained.

The police said Gandi and Jerry were involved in multiple motorcycle thefts at various locations.

According to Gandi’s confession, one month prior he stole a Honda Vario in the Gaperta area.

Two months before, Gandi and Jerry stole a Honda Scoopy in the Flamboyan Raya area.

Three months ago, the pair stole a Honda Beat in Klumpang, Hamparan Perak District.

In the same month, they also stole a Honda Supra X in the Simpang Kampung Lalang area.

Operations extended to Tebingtinggi

The motorcycle thefts were not limited to Medan City.

According to Gandi, he and Jerry also committed thefts in Tebingtinggi City.