Bali, Indonesia Sentinel — Police in Badung, Bali, have arrested two Russian nationals, identified as AK (26) and MT (31), in connection with a human trafficking operation suspected to be global online prostitution ring involved marketing sex workers from 129 countries through a website.
Bali Police Chief Inspector General Daniel Adityajaya unveil the arrest during a press conference on Monday, January 13, 2025. The pair, accused of running an international online prostitution network, had reportedly been operating in Bali for the past two years.
Daniel explained that the case came to light amid a surge in prostitution activities involving foreign nationals. Police gathered information from members of the Russian expatriate community in Bali over the past several weeks, which eventually led to the arrests. The suspects were apprehended in North Kuta, Badung, on Friday, January 10, 2025.
“AK was responsible for distributing the proceeds from transactions to the sex workers and her team. She acted as the website administrator in Bali, managing the sex workers, registering them on the platform, and communicating with clients,” Daniel explained, as reported by Detik.
Roles Divisions
Authorities described AK as a madam and regional coordinator who handled financial transactions and maintained the online platform. Meanwhile, MT operated as a manager, liaising directly with clients from around the world.
“The suspect offered clients a selection of sex workers from various countries, including those from several cities in Indonesia, through the website,” Daniel explained.
Police seized evidence, including passports, 17 mobile phones, laptops, bank cards from Indonesian and foreign banks, 305 SIM cards, and financial records.
Sex Workers From 129 Countries
The website allegedly promoted sex workers from 129 countries, including individuals from 12 cities in Indonesia. Police believe the operation was part of an international prostitution network.
“This is indeed an international syndicate. The platform was accessible globally, allowing clients from multiple countries, including Indonesia, to engage in transactions,” Daniel said, adding that coordination with other regional police forces and national authorities is underway to dismantle the network in other cities.
The investigation also uncovered a victim of the trafficking ring, a Russian woman identified as EE, also known as L. She was rescued during an operation that found her engaging in sexual activities with a Russian client.
Fees and Profit Distribution
Sex workers involved were reportedly charged between $300 and $350 per session. The revenue was divided, with 50% going to the sex workers, 40% to AK, and the remainder allocated to operational staff. “Each transaction was processed through bank accounts under AK’s name,” Daniel revealed.
Legal Charges
The suspects are currently detained at the Badung Police Headquarters. They face charges under Indonesia’s Information and Electronic Transactions (ITE) Law, which carries a maximum penalty of six years in prison and a fine of up to Rp1 billion ($65,000).
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Additionally, they are charged under the 2007 Human Trafficking Law, which carries penalties of three to 15 years in prison and fines ranging from Rp120 million to Rp600 million ($8,000–$40,000). They also face charges under Article 506 of Indonesia’s Criminal Code, which imposes a maximum sentence of one year in prison.
The arrests highlight ongoing efforts to combat human trafficking and online prostitution in Bali, with authorities pledging further investigations to uncover the full scope of the network.
(Raidi/Agung)
