Top police officials in Bali have confirmed that nine foreigners wanted in connection with an armed kidnapping, assault, and robbery on 15th December 2024 are believed to still be on the island.
On 15th December, a Ukrainian national known by his initials IL was kidnapped by a criminal gang, believed to be from Russia, in the popular tourism region of Ungasan in South Bali.
Speaking to the press, the Head of Public Relations for Bali Police, Senior Commissioner Ariasandy, explained, “It seems like they are [still in Bali]. We can’t be sure, they could have left earlier before we coordinated before. But most of them seem to be in Bali.”
He confirmed that police are still working to track down the nine suspects, who are known to be Russian, Ukrainian, and Kazakstan nationals. Bali Police are working with the Indonesian National Police Units, Interpol, and Immigration.
Ariasandy previously confirmed that the nine individuals, who have not been named to the media due to the ongoing investigation, have been issued summons via their embassies and consulates but that no responses have been given.
When asked if the nine individuals have been included on the Indonesian Blacklist for banned entry, Ariasandy explained, “Not yet a ban. If it has been proven, we will ban them. It’s just that this is a coordinated action, meaning [partner authorities] informing us that those people were detected at an airport.”
Ariasandy was unable to reveal any further details about the nine wanted criminals nor share any further information regarding the next moves in the investigation.
He did not, however, announce that the public should change their behavior in light of December’s kidnapping and the criminals still being at large in the province. This is believed to be an isolated incident related to the activity of a criminal gang.
Reporters questioned Ariasandy as to how police created the list of nine wanted criminals. He noted that the Ukrainian national, known by his initials IL, has recognized the voices of those who kidnapped him.
Ariasandy, explained “He said he recognised the voices, maybe he guessed those people. That’s why he mentioned their names one by one, even though he did not see them directly because they were wearing masks.
On Thursday, 30th January, Bali Police released a foreign national who was arrested at Bali Airport in connection with the kidnapping. Russian national Khasan Askhabov, aged 30, was arrested at Bali Airport in a high-profile and seemingly confident move by Bali Police.
In the moments after the arrest, Ariasandy told reporters, “One of the nine people reported last night was secured at Ngurah Rai Airport. He was planning to go to Dubai. We cannot yet name the perpetrator of the incident,t but the person concerned is one of the people reported by the victim.”
The Police Spokesman then announced on Saturday, 1st February, that Askhabov had been let go. He announced, “From the results of the investigation, no evidence of involvement was found because, at the time of the incident, the person concerned was in Dubai.”
Communities across Bali are still left in shock at the video footage made public by officials in Bali of the events of the 15th of December.
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.
Once secured by the gang, the Ukrainian national was taken to a private villa and forced to surrender crypto assets of IDR 3.2 billion (USD 196,000).
Remove All Ads & Unlock All Articles… Sign up for The Bali Sun Premium
Plan Your Bali Holiday:
Book The Best English Speaking Drivers For Airport Transfers & Tours
Choose From Thousands of Bali Hotels, Resorts, and Hostels with Free Cancellation On Most Properties
Book Cheap Flights To Bali
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance That Covers Medical Expenses In Bali
For the latest Bali News & Debate Join our Facebook Community
SUBSCRIBE TO NEW POSTS
Enter your email address to subscribe to The Bali Sun’s latest breaking news, straight to your inbox.