Two Russian citizens have been arrested in Badung, Bali, on charges of international human trafficking and running an online prostitution network.
The suspects, identified as a 26-year-old woman with the initials AK and a 31-year-old man with the initials MT, allegedly operated a prostitution website offering services from sex workers spanning 129 countries.
Arrest and Evidence
AK and MT were apprehended on 10 January in Banjar Anyar Kelod, North Kuta, Badung.
Authorities seized numerous items, including passports, 17 mobile phones, a laptop, multiple ATM cards, bank passbooks, 305 SIM cards, and a vehicle registration under AK’s name.
Bali Police Chief Inspector General Daniel Adityajaya revealed during a press conference that the duo had been running the operation for two years. AK managed the finances, acted as the website administrator, and controlled sex workers listed on the site, while MT served as the operator, communicating directly with clients.
Global Network
The website reportedly offered sex workers from 129 countries, including 12 cities across Indonesia.
Bali police suspect the operation is part of a larger international syndicate. “This is indeed an international network. Operations were carried out online, making them accessible worldwide, including in 12 cities across Indonesia,” Adityajaya stated.
Authorities are collaborating with other regional police departments and the National Police Headquarters to dismantle the network in other cities.
Victim and Pricing
One victim, a Russian woman identified as EE, was rescued during a police raid.
Authorities discovered her engaged with a Russian client at the time of the intervention.
According to police, the website charged clients between $300 and $350 per session, with earnings distributed among the sex workers (50%), AK (40%), and operational staff (10%).
Legal Context
The suspects face multiple charges under Indonesian law:
- Article 45(1) of Law No. 1 of 2024 (Amendment to the ITE Law): Addresses the misuse of electronic systems for illegal activities, with a maximum penalty of six years in prison and a fine of up to IDR 1 billion.
- Article 2 of Law No. 21 of 2007: Targets human trafficking, with sentences of three to 15 years and fines ranging from IDR 120 million to IDR 600 million.
- Article 506 of the Penal Code (KUHP): Penalizes profiting from prostitution, carrying up to one year in prison.
