A British national identified by the initials GLS has been deported from Bali after completing a prison sentence for involvement in a cryptocurrency theft case. According to immigration authorities, the 40-year-old arrived in Indonesia in December 2020 through Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Jakarta.
“The person concerned has completed his criminal sentence at the Kerobokan Denpasar Prison and was then subject to immigration administrative action in the form of deportation,” said the Head of the Ngurah Rai Immigration Office, Winarko, in his statement, Thursday (21/8/2025).
Officials stated that GLS entered the country using a business visa. However, despite holding the visa, his intention was not to conduct business activities. He reportedly planned to travel around Indonesia for leisure purposes.
Involvement in Criminal Case
Instead of following his declared purpose of visit, GLS became involved in criminal activity linked to the theft of digital assets. He was later convicted of stealing cryptocurrency and sentenced to serve time in Kerobokan Prison, Bali.
“Based on the court’s decision, he was sentenced to five years in prison for violating Article 365 of the Criminal Code,” added Winarko.
Authorities confirmed that GLS completed his sentence at the correctional facility before being handed over to immigration for deportation proceedings.
Deportation Process Through Bali
The deportation took place on Wednesday, 20 August 2025. Head of the Regional Office of the Ministry of Law and Human Rights in Bali, Winarko, explained that GLS was escorted to I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport at around 19.20 Central Indonesia Time.
From Bali, he was placed on a flight bound for London, United Kingdom. Immigration authorities ensured that the deportation process was carried out according to established legal procedures.
Official Statement
Winarko emphasized that the deportation was the final administrative measure following the completion of GLS’s criminal sentence. He confirmed that GLS had no further legal matters to settle in Indonesia and was therefore sent back to his home country without delay.
He also reiterated that while the business visa provided to GLS permitted limited professional activities, the individual had instead chosen to use it for tourism purposes. This misuse of visa status, combined with his involvement in crime, ultimately led to his removal from the country after serving his term.
“We will not tolerate any actions of foreign nationals that violate the law and disturb order. Indonesia is open to tourists and investors. However, everyone is obliged to comply with the applicable rules,” he concluded.
