Police Investigate Alleged Kidnapping of Ukrainian Tourist in South Kuta
The Bali Regional Police (Polda Bali) is investigating a case of alleged kidnapping of a Ukrainian citizen, identified by the initials IK (28), in South Kuta, Badung, Bali. A video of the alleged kidnapping of the foreign tourist went viral on social media.
Based on the circulating video, IK claims to have been kidnapped, tortured, and asked to pay a ransom of USD 10 million. The case was reported to the Kuta Selatan Police on Sunday (February 15th) early in the morning.
“It has been reported to the Kuta Selatan Police. The incident was reported in the middle of the night by one of the victim’s friends who was kidnapped,” said the Head of Public Relations of the Bali Police, Commissioner Ariasandy, on Wednesday (February 25th, 2026).
Ariasandy explained that a team immediately moved to conduct an investigation after receiving the report. According to him, the case is being handled by the Kuta Selatan Police and the Denpasar Police, with support from the Bali Police.
“We have gone to the field, taken steps to investigate, collected data, and everything,” said Ariasandy.
The police have also examined about 10 witnesses related to the alleged kidnapping of the foreigner. In addition, the police have also secured a number of pieces of evidence.
According to Ariasandy, IK was in Bali on vacation. This was known from the examination of his travel documents and visa. Ariasandy emphasized that the entire process is still in the investigation stage.
Chronology According to the Reporter
Based on the reporter’s statement, at the time of the incident, the three of them were riding a motorcycle in the Jimbaran area, South Kuta, Badung, Bali. One of them was said to be teaching his friend how to ride a motorcycle on an uphill road.
“However, on the way to the training location, one of them realized that two of his friends were no longer behind. Shortly after, one of the victim’s friends approached and said that they had been attacked by unknown people,” said Ariasandy.
The two of them then returned to the location. Upon arriving there, the victim was said to have been gone. At the location, a number of the victim’s belongings were found, including a cellphone and a bag.
The items were then secured by the victim’s friend before the incident was finally reported to the police. So far, the police are still investigating the witnesses’ statements and collecting additional evidence to uncover the alleged kidnapping.