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).
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Mr Bear Snr
Friday 14th of February 2025
It would probably be easier to round up all the Russians in Bali. Scrutinize every one and they would find legitimate reasons to Deport 95% of them. As long as the Srutinizing is done by people who haven't been associated with them. Maybe Investigators from Sulawesi?
Exp
Monday 10th of February 2025
Foreign criminal need to be aware that using Indonesia as their playground could end up very costly.
A police investigator was exposed after having asked for 20 milyar to stall a case for a a couple of vip having drugged an underage girl that died from overdose. The case surfaced as the accused murderers discovered that the case progressed anyway and they went to civil court to get the bribe money and luxury cars/bikes back!
LINK Not any better with the courts: They just arrested a supreme court broker in Jakarta having cashed on more than 900 milyar in cash and 51 kilograms of gold through case brokerage during his last 10 year tenure. Essentially he arranged for suitable verdicts by paying off judges on behalf of parties involved in the cases for review.
LINK Do not think it is much better on lower levels.
Randy
Saturday 8th of February 2025
The nine suspects of Russian, Ukrainian and Kazakhstan nationals should be apprehended and deported as soon as possible. Jail time perhaps but they may also be wanted in Thailand. Probably the question should be addressed to the Ukrainian victim as to why he was singled out in the kidnapping and robbery. Does he owe them money or a business venture that has gone bad? He may know their names?? He may remembered their voices as well during the kidnapping?? Nonetheless, the whole kidnapping affair seems to smell like rotten fish with these people...
Bali should not be an island where criminals can hide out and with those involved to hide them in Indonesia. Money talks and intimidation with those involved are not ruled out. It can be dangerous!! Some Foreign Nationals (national security risk assessment) who cannot use the auto gates for a number of reasons may be finger printed and photographed. Better be safe than sorry!!
Shorty
Saturday 15th of February 2025
@Steve bm,
My comparisons are in no way meant to be justification or excuses for local behaviour.
It's to give some comparative reality and to try and put a more reasoned evaluation of the problems, their severity and frequency.
Many critical posts and whinges are made just just to repeatedly have a whinge. Particularly if something doesn't live up to their expat expectations.
Many forget, or choose to forget, it's Bali, not our home country. We're guests
Steve bm
Friday 14th of February 2025
@Shorty, forget Australia shorty you are in Indonesia 🇮🇩, you often try to compare
Shorty
Tuesday 11th of February 2025
@Exp,
Your problem Exp is you relentlessly seize on any opportunity to criticise and condemn Bali. You're great at seeking out supporting links.
But you lack reasoned balance.
Take this article. I made a comment.... “You’re naive if you think the gang problem and associated corruption here is worse. It’s less (than Australia).”
You challenged this. Great. But the links you posted are examples of local corruption and have bugger all to do with or answer my comment.
Shorty
Tuesday 11th of February 2025
@Exp,
I'm in no way denying it isn't happening here.
Shorty
Tuesday 11th of February 2025
@Exp,
Read or watch Sydney and Melbourne news about gangs.
Exp
Friday 7th of February 2025
"Report a stolen chicken and loose a goat." That is what locals often describe the police.
Exp
Monday 10th of February 2025
@Randy, Indeed. Here an article with the RI police chief himself referring to this proverb.
"Jangan sampai gara-gara laporan hilang ayam, eh setelah lapor malah kambingnya juga ikut hilang."
LINK
Randy
Sunday 9th of February 2025
@Exp, is that an Indonesian proverb?