Police Conduct DNA Tests to Investigate Link Between Human Remains and Ukrainian National Abduction in Bali

Bali police are investigating the mystery surrounding the discovery of human remains found in the Wos Teben River estuary, Ketewel Village, Gianyar, which has been linked to the alleged abduction of a Ukrainian national in Jimbaran, Kuta Selatan, Badung. DNA testing is being conducted to determine whether the two incidents are connected.

The case began when residents were alarmed by the discovery of human remains washed ashore in the Ketewel river estuary on Thursday, 26 February. Several body parts were found in a dismembered state and were immediately evacuated for forensic examination.

At almost the same time, police also received a report of the alleged abduction of a Ukrainian national in the Jimbaran area. The investigation into this report is currently ongoing.

The Head of Public Relations for Bali Police, Brigadier General Ariasandy, emphasised that both cases are being handled separately at present. However, DNA matching is being conducted to determine the identity of the human remains discovered.

“These are two different cases. An abduction investigation is underway. Regarding the human remains that were discovered yesterday, we are currently in the process of identifying whose remains these are by matching DNA, including by comparing DNA with the parents of the abduction victim,” said Ariasandy on Friday, 27 February 2026.

Ariasandy stated that police have coordinated with the family of the alleged abduction victim to obtain DNA samples for comparison purposes.

“We have therefore coordinated with the family concerned to request DNA samples,” he explained.