Bali, Indonesia Sentinel — Bali police are investigating an armed robbery allegedly committed by a group of Russian gang against a Ukrainian tourist in South Kuta, Badung, Bali. Authorities have arrested one of the nine suspected perpetrators.
The case gained widespread attention after a video recording of the incident went viral on social media. According to the Bali Regional Police, nine individuals are suspected of being involved in the robbery.
Bali Police spokesperson Kombes Pol. Ariasandy confirmed on Friday that the suspects, based on the victim’s report, are believed to be nationals of Russia, Ukraine, and Kazakhstan. “According to the report, the victim identified nine suspects, allegedly foreign nationals from Russia, Ukraine, and Kazakhstan,” Ariasandy stated.
Suspect Apprehended
In the latest update, Ariasandy confirmed that one suspect, identified as KA (30), was apprehended at I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport while attempting to board a flight to Dubai.
“Yes, one of the nine suspects named in the victim’s police report was detained at Ngurah Rai Airport last night at 7:00 p.m.,” he said on Friday, January 31, 2025, as reported by Republika.
The Russian suspect was arrested by a joint team from Ngurah Rai Immigration and the Bali Police. Following his arrest, he was taken to the Bali Police Headquarters for further questioning. Meanwhile, the remaining eight suspects are still at large.
The Russian Gang Robbery Incident
According to Antara, the robbery of Ukrainian tourist occurred on December 15, 2024, in the South Kuta area, Bali. At the time, the victim was traveling in a car with his driver, when they were ambushed near Jalan Tundun Penyu Dipal in Ungasan, South Kuta, Badung Regency.
Two vehicles blocked their path, one in front and another behind. Four masked men dressed in black emerged from the front vehicle, armed with knives, hammers, and a firearm. They forced the victim and his driver into another vehicle, handcuffed them, and covered their heads with black hoods before driving them to a suspected villa in South Kuta.
Upon arrival, the assailants confiscated the victim’s phone and physically assaulted him, demanding access to his cryptocurrency accounts. “They continued to beat the victim and forced him to hand over his Binance account credentials, ultimately seizing approximately $214,429 worth of cryptocurrency,” Ariasandy stated.
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As a result of the attack, the victim sustained multiple injuries, including wounds to his right ear, both wrists, left hand, left eye, back of the head, and right waist. The total financial loss is estimated at approximately Rp3.49 billion.
The victim eventually managed to escape and was found by local residents in a disheveled and injured state on the side of the road. He later reported the incident to the Bali Police.
The victim’s representatives plan to pursue legal and diplomatic measures to ensure the case is thoroughly investigated and justice is served.
(Raidi/Agung)
