PENYIDIKAN TINDAK PIDANA PENGGELAPAN KENDARAAN BERMOTOR (Studi di Polresta Malang Kota)

In this modern era, technological advancement and increased mobility have brought significant convenience to daily human activities. However, these developments have also created opportunities for various forms of crime, one of which is the criminal act of motor vehicle embezzlement. This offense often arises from a relationship of trust between the perpetrator and the vehicle owner and is influenced by economic factors as well as the low level of legal awareness among the community. As a result, investigators face challenges during the investigation process, particularly in tracing evidence and apprehending perpetrators who frequently flee outside the jurisdiction of the Malang City Police. The purpose of this research is to determine how the investigation process of motor vehicle embezzlement is carried out by investigators of the Criminal Investigation Unit of the Malang City Police and to identify the obstacles encountered in its implementation. This study uses a sociological juridical approach, with data obtained through interviews with investigators and documentation studies of case files and relevant legal regulations. The results of this research indicate that the investigation process includes several stages, such as report reception, clarification, examination of witnesses and suspects, seizure of evidence, and preparation of case files for submission to the prosecutor’s office. In practice, investigators also cooperate with other institutions, such as the Vehicle Registration Center (Samsat) and other regional police units, particularly in tracing evidence across jurisdictions. The obstacles faced include delays in reporting by complainants, insufficient supporting evidence, and the low level of legal awareness among the public. Therefore, enhanced inter-institutional coordination and increased legal education for the community are necessary to improve the effectiveness of law enforcement.