Immigration Officers in Bali Arrested for Colluding with Russians in Tourist Extortion Ring
Bali, Indonesia – Two immigration officers in Bali have been arrested for allegedly participating in a cross-border extortion ring targeting foreign tourists. According to police reports, the officers collaborated with Russian nationals to intimidate, assault, and extort money from travelers at numerous locations across the island.
The accused officers, Ernest Esmail and Yopita Barinda Putri, both aged 24, were apprehended in late July alongside two Russian men identified as Iurii Vithcenko (30) and Ilia Shkutov (32). The arrests followed an investigation triggered by a violent assault on a Lithuanian tourist in Jimbaran on July 10. Authorities revealed that the extortion ring operated between January and July of this year, conducting at least 27 separate incidents involving foreign nationals throughout the regions of Denpasar, Badung, and Gianyar. The group reportedly kidnapped victims and subjected them to physical abuse, using threats of imprisonment or deportation to coerce compliance and payments.
Parlindungan, head of the Bali Immigration Regional Office, confirmed that internal disciplinary procedures have commenced against the two officers. He indicated that dismissal from their positions is a strong possibility pending the outcome of the legal process.
“Following a detailed review by the police chief, there will definitely be an ethics hearing, and the sanctions will be very serious. Dismissal? That is certainly a possibility,” Parlindungan said during a press briefing, as quoted by local news outlet Kompas.
The investigation is being led by the Bali Regional Police, who continue to probe the extent of the criminal activities related to the ring. Police highlighted the serious nature of the crimes, emphasizing the abuse of authority displayed by the involved immigration officers in enabling the extortion of vulnerable tourists.
This case has raised concerns about the safety of foreign visitors to Bali, a popular tourist destination. Authorities have assured the public that efforts are underway to restore trust and uphold the integrity of immigration officials.
Bali police presented the suspects during a press conference, underscoring their commitment to dismantle criminal networks exploiting tourists.
The investigation remains ongoing as Balinese authorities pursue further leads concerning the extortion activities tied to this group.
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