Bali Police Confirm Arrest Of Russian Gang Leader Who Kidnapped Ukrainian Man In Popular Resort 

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Bali Police have confirmed the arrest of a Russian national believed to be a criminal gang leader.

The man was arrested at I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport in connection with the kidnap and armed robbery of a Ukrainian national and his Indonesian driver on the 15th of December 2024.

Communities in Bali have been left in shock after footage was shared online of the attack that took place in Ungasan on the 15th of December 2024.

Footage recorded from inside the victim’s vehicle shows the car being blocked by an on-coming vehicle on a narrow lane in a wooded area. Armed attackers, wearing balaclavas and ‘police’ uniforms, can be seen jumping out of the car and approaching the victim’s vehicle. 

Police have confirmed that in the minutes and hours that followed the Ukrainian national, known by his initials II, was taken to a private villa where he was attacked. The Ukrainian national was forced to surrender crypto assets of IDR 3.2 billion (USD 196,000). 

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Since 15th December, Bali Police have been working to investigate the case and, on the evening of Thursday, 30th January, successfully arrested one of nine foreign nationals suspected of being involved in the attack. 

A 30-year-old Russian national, known by his vitals KA, was arrested as he was attempting to flee Indonesia. He is reported to have been set to board a flight to Dubai.

A source from Bali Police told reporters KA is suspected of being the leader of the majority Russian gang. KA is also reported to be wanted by authorities in Thailand on the grounds of kidnap and extortion.

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The source explained, “the perpetrator was taken out through the international loading dock door.” Bali Police have not suggested whether the remaining eight suspects are believed to still be in Bali, or anywhere else in the country.

The Head of Public Relations for Bali Police, Senior Commissioner Pol. Ariasandy spoke to reporters on Friday 31st January. He explained, “According to the [victim] there were nine people reported who were suspected to be Russian, Ukrainian, and Kazakh nationals.”

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He confirmed “Nine people as reported by the victim were summoned through their consulate. They have been summoned twice but have not attended.” The case is currently being handed by Bali Police’s General Criminal Investigation Directorate, and two re-constructions of the incident have taken place to piece together how such an event could have taken place. 

Senior Commissioner Pol. Ariasandy shared “The case is currently being handled by the Bali Police Criminal Investigation Directorate and the perpetrators are still under investigation.”

He added “Regarding his case, the Bali Police are very serious about handling this case and of course we hope it can be resolved as soon as possible.”

Speaking to the media II’s lawyer Major General Purnawirawan Syamsu Djalal, explained that he and his team will be proceeding with further legal action over the case. He shared “These perpetrators are international bandits. Without serious handling, it can ruin the image of Bali. Including the police.”

He added “Our client was handcuffed, abducted, then spot on. The perpetrators of the victims admitted to criminal groups from Russia and Ukraine. To what we are surprised, in the video the perpetrators use vests written ‘Police’. This must be thoroughly investigated, do not spoil the good name of the Police.”

Bali Sentator Ni Luh Djelantik has issued a statement on her social media regarding the case. She shared “”Bali is not doing well. If it can happen to Ukrainian citizens, it is not impossible that it will happen to Indonesian citizens. Take firm action. Clean up so that Bali becomes a safe home for all its inhabitants.”

Though this incident is shocking, Bali police have not issued statements regarding public safety or advice for tourists in Bali. The incident is believed to be isolated and in connection with the activity of international criminal gangs.