Nine Foreign Nationals Sought in Bali Armed Kidnapping Case
Senior police officials in Bali confirmed that nine foreign suspects are still believed to be on the island, linked to a serious crime that occurred last December.
On December 15, 2024, a Ukrainian national, referred to by his initials IL, was reportedly kidnapped by an armed gang in the Ungasan area of South Bali, a popular destination for tourists. The gang is believed to comprise individuals of Russian, Ukrainian, and Kazakhstani nationality.
Current Status of Suspects
The Head of Public Relations for Bali Police, Senior Commissioner Ariasandy, spoke to the press regarding the ongoing investigation. “It seems like they are [still in Bali]. We can’t be sure, they could have left earlier before we coordinated, but most of them seem to be here,” he stated. The police have confirmed they are actively working with the Indonesian National Police, Interpol, and immigration authorities to track down these suspects.
To date, the nine individuals have not been publicly named, as the investigation is still underway. Ariasandy confirmed that summons had been issued through their respective embassies and consulates, but the police have not received any responses from the suspects.
When questioned about whether the suspects have been placed on Indonesia’s blacklist for prohibited 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 informed us that those people were detected at an airport.”
Investigation Progress
Although specific details about the individuals remain undisclosed, the police have gathered some information regarding the circumstances surrounding the kidnapping. The victim, IL, was able to recognize the voices of his captors, providing names that led to the identification of the suspects.
Ariasandy emphasized, “He said he recognized 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.”
In a recent development, Bali police arrested a Russian national, Khasan Askhabov, at Ngurah Rai Airport on January 30, during a significant operation connected to the kidnapping. Ariasandy confirmed the arrest, stating, “One of the nine people reported last night was secured at the airport. He was planning to go to Dubai.”
However, after further investigation, Askhabov was released on February 1, as police found no evidence of his involvement in the crime, confirming that he had been in Dubai at the time of the incident.
Community Response
The violent nature of the kidnapping has left many in the Bali community unsettled. Authorities released gripping footage that captured the events of December 15. The video shows the victim’s vehicle being blocked by another car before armed assailants, wearing balaclavas and police uniforms, exited and approached IL’s car. Once captured, he was taken to a private villa where he was forced to surrender cryptocurrency assets valued at IDR 3.2 billion (approximately USD 196,000).
In light of recent events, the police have reassured the public that this incident appears to be isolated and related to the actions of a specific criminal gang. As authorities continue their investigation, they maintain a commitment to ensuring the safety of residents and tourists alike in Bali.
The Bali Police have encouraged the community to remain vigilant but have not advised any immediate changes to day-to-day behavior in response to the ongoing situation.
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