Bali police confirm DNA matches Ukrainian kidnapping victim
Senior Commissioner Ariasandy, the Head of Public Relations for the Bali Regional Police, said on Friday that DNA samples from the body parts, bloodstains from several crime scenes, and the victim’s mother were a 99.99 percent match.
The autopsy at Prof. Ngoerah General Hospital in Denpasar and DNA tests at the National Police Criminal Investigation Agency’s Forensic Laboratory began on February 26, 2026. The results were finalized on March 5, 2026.
“Comparison of the DNA profile results shows that the maternal alleles from the mother’s profile match the alleles from the blood found in the black Avanza car at the Summer Villa in Tabanan. The DNA profiles from the six bone samples, based on the maternal index calculation, indicate a 99.99 percent probability of a match,” Ariasandy confirmed.
He explained that the samples consisted of six pieces: a molar, a collarbone, a piece of femur, a rib, a toe, and a piece of tibia.
The DNA found in these samples was identified as belonging to a young male (XY chromosome) matching the blood profiles found in the black Avanza car and the villa in Tabanan. Based on this evidence, the police concluded the remains are those of Ihor Komarav.
Consequently, in addition to naming one foreign suspect with the initials CH, police are pursuing six wanted persons (DPO) for the kidnapping and alleged mutilation: RM, BK, AS, VN, SM, and DH.
“We are pursuing the six suspects and have issued the wanted list and Red Notices. We continue to coordinate with Immigration, the International Relations Division, and Interpol to track the perpetrators, whom we suspect have left Turkiye or other regions to flee the country. All are foreign nationals with multiple passports,” the police continued.
Investigators are also probing possible connections between the suspects and foreign mafia networks.
Previously, Ihor Komarav was reported missing on February 15 while practicing motorcycle riding on Jimbaran hill in South Kuta, Badung District. Shortly after, a live video emerged showing the victim at a villa demanding a ransom.
A joint team from the Bali Regional Police launched an investigation, processed the crime scene, and examined CCTV footage. Based on the analysis, a Toyota Avanza and two motorcycles were identified as vehicles used in the attack. The car was reportedly rented by CH at the request of another party for Rp6 million (approx. $345).
GPS tracking later led police to a villa in Tabanan. At the site, officers discovered bloodstains that were collected for forensic examination. Similar traces were found inside the Avanza. Investigators suspect the villa was where Komarav recorded the ransom video sent to his family.
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Translator: Rolandus Nampu, Resinta Sulistiyandari