A 48-year-old Ukrainian national reported of being kidnapped, assaulted, and robbed of his cryptocurrency assets in Bali, according to a police report he filed. While the incident took place on 15 December, 2024, the incident report and video evidence have just recently been made public.
The case, which involves nine foreign nationals—allegedly a mix of Russian and Ukrainian individuals—is currently under police investigation.
The Kidnap Chronology
According to the report and circulating video, the incident began when II was driving a white BMW towards his villa in South Kuta, Badung.
His vehicle was intercepted by two Alphard cars, blocking both the front and rear.
Four masked men dressed in black, armed with knives, hammers, and a pistol, forced the victim out of his vehicle and physically assaulted him. His driver was also taken hostage.
The victim then reported of being transported to a villa in Jimbaran, where he was handcuffed, beaten, and coerced into granting access to his cryptocurrency account.
Under duress, he transferred approximately Rp3,2 billion worth of crypto assets to the attackers before being left bound inside the villa.
Later that night, the victim said he escaped through a window and sought help from local residents, who took him to the Ubud police station.
He was found in a distressed state, with visible injuries to his ears, wrists, left hand, back of the head, and right waist.
Police Investigation
The case has been reported to both the Denpasar Police and Bali Police. The police have confirmed they are investigating the matter, with Denpasar Police Chief Commissioner Laurens Rajamangapul Heselo stating that while there were indications the kidnapping report might be withdrawn, the assault and extortion cases remain under Bali Police’s jurisdiction.
Meanwhile, the victim’s legal representative, retired Major General Syamsu Djalal, said his client remains in Bali with his wife and child but is deeply traumatized and afraid to leave their home. The victim is also considering legal and diplomatic measures to ensure the case is resolved.
Bali Police spokesman Commissioner Ariasandy confirmed that authorities are coordinating efforts to track down the suspects. “The perpetrators are still under investigation,” he said.
