BANGLI

A Bangli man has been arrested at Ngurah Rai airport as he tried to flee with Rp119 million (US$13,200) he had fleeced from dozens of market traders since November last year.

Police said Nyoman Mar, 36, of Gunaksa in Bangli, had embezzled the money from funds held by a social club for market traders at Bangli’s South Market.

He had repeatedly promised them the money was being used legitimately but did not repay it on schedule.

Eventually the traders tired of hearing excuses for why the money was not accounted for and reported Mar to police.

Investigations are continuing.