A Bali court has sentenced Ni Ketut Sri Astari Saranitha, the estranged wife of former Australian Football League (AFL) player Rick Olarenshaw, to seven months in prison for operating a brothel under the guise of a spa.
The verdict, handed down on 6 March 2025, follows months of legal proceedings surrounding her involvement in Flame Day Spa, a Seminyak-based business accused of offering illegal sexual services.
Brothel’s “Exotic Therapist”
Flame Day Spa, located on Jalan Batu Belig in Kerobokan Kelod, North Kuta, was raided by Bali’s Regional Police on 2 September 2024.
The spa advertised various services, including the “Flame” package—a one-hour sensual massage with an “exotic therapist”—and the “Firestorm” package, which involved a one-hour sensual massage with three therapists simultaneously.
During the raid, authorities arrested three women: the manager and two receptionists, all believed to be involved in the prostitution ring. The operation was the culmination of weeks of undercover surveillance and intelligence gathering.
Arrest and Trial
Saranitha was arrested in October 2024 after police linked her to the spa, which was registered in her name.
During her trial, she claimed to be merely a figurehead, alleging that her husband, his brother Darren, and two other Australian associates were the true owners and operators. She expressed feelings of exploitation and betrayal, stating she had been left to take the fall for the business’s illegal activities.
The court, while acknowledging her claims, found her guilty under Indonesia’s strict anti-prostitution laws.
In a written judgement summary, Chief Judge Heryati said their actions did not align with “local value [of ethics] of the community.”
However, judges considered her lack of prior criminal records and expressions of remorse, delivering a more lenient sentence than the maximum 12-year term she could have faced.
Who is Rick Olarenshaw?
Rick Olarenshaw, the estranged partner and father of Ni Ketut’s children, is a former professional Australian rules footballer who played in the AFL during the 1990s, most notably with Essendon, where he was part of the club’s 1993 premiership-winning team.
After his playing career, he transitioned into sports commentary and player management. His connection to this case has drawn significant attention in Australia, particularly given the country’s strict laws against human trafficking and its interest in legal cases involving Australians overseas.
Olarenshaw’s Response
Rick Olarenshaw has denied any involvement in the operation of the business.
He returned to Australia before the raid and has not faced any charges. Reports indicate that he is currently focusing on reuniting with his children, who remain under the care of family members in Bali.
