Ukrainian citizen Roman Nazarenko, 42, has been sentenced to life imprisonment by prosecutors in relation to a narcotics laboratory discovered in a luxury villa in Tibubeneng, North Kuta, Badung. The case, involving the production of synthetic drugs and hydroponic cannabis, has been under trial at the Denpasar District Court.
Prosecutor’s Charges and Legal Basis
Public Prosecutor Ryan Mahardika stated in court that Nazarenko was proven to have engaged in a criminal conspiracy to manufacture and distribute narcotics. The charges included the production of mephedrone and the cultivation of hydroponic cannabis inside the villa known as “Sunny Village.”
According to the prosecutor, Nazarenko’s actions fulfilled the elements of Article 113 paragraph 2 in conjunction with Article 132 paragraph 1, as well as Article 111 paragraph 2 in conjunction with Article 132 paragraph 1 of Law Number 35 of 2009 on Narcotics. Ryan emphasized that the defendant’s involvement in the case could damage young generations in Indonesia and conflicted with the government’s ongoing efforts to eradicate drugs.
“The defendant was proven guilty of committing a narcotics crime,” Ryan said in front of a panel of judges led by Eni Martiningrum, Thursday (28/8/2025).
Defendant Denies Role as Leader
In his testimony, Nazarenko denied being the mastermind of the operation, asserting that he worked under the direction of Oleh Tkachuk, who is identified as the owner of the drug facility and has yet to be apprehended.
Nazarenko explained that he was only tasked with overseeing the construction of the villa, for which he received a salary of 800 US dollars, approximately 13 million rupiah, per month from Tkachuk.
The defendant also rejected allegations of direct involvement in drug production. Despite this denial, prosecutors maintained that the evidence demonstrated his responsibility in the narcotics case.
“He defendant was convoluted in giving testimony during the trial,” Ryan explained.
“I was only asked to supervise the construction of the villa. But after knowing that it was used for drugs, I chose to go to Thailand,” said Roman.
Defense Response and Upcoming Plea
Nazarenko’s legal counsel, Rico Ardika Panjaitan, argued that the prosecution’s demands were inconsistent, pointing out that the alleged mastermind, Oleh Tkachuk, remains at large. “We regret this demand and will face the process. Let the panel of judges decide,” Rico said after the hearing.
The panel of judges has scheduled the next hearing for September 4, 2025, which will focus on the defendant’s plea or defense statement.
Connection to Previous Convictions
The narcotics laboratory case also involved Ukrainian twins Mykyta and Ivan Volovod, who were previously sentenced to 20 years in prison for their roles in the same operation. Both testified during their trial that Nazarenko had authority over them, but they also mentioned the involvement of Oleh Tkachuk as the central figure in the narcotics production at the villa.
Despite repeated references in court to his role, Tkachuk has not been apprehended and has yet to face legal proceedings.
