Police Question 10 Witnesses in Ukrainian National's Kidnapping Case in Bali

Police Question 10 Witnesses in Case of Alleged Kidnapping of Ukrainian National in Bali

The Bali Police have questioned 10 witnesses in the case of the alleged kidnapping of a Ukrainian national named Ihor Komarav (28). “We have questioned approximately 10 witnesses, including securing evidence,” said the Head of Public Relations of the Bali Police, Commissioner Ariasandy, at the Bali Police Headquarters on Tuesday (24 February) afternoon. Ariasandy said that the alleged kidnapping was reported by the victim’s colleague on Sunday (15 February) at the Kuta Selatan Police Station. The case is now being handled by a team from the Denpasar Police, the Kuta Selatan Police, with assistance from the Bali Police. “We have been on the ground. We have taken investigative steps, collected evidence and everything. The point is, our team is working, hopefully in a relatively short time we can solve the case,” said Ariasandy. According to the statement of the victim’s colleague, who is the reporter, the kidnapping occurred on Sunday (15 February) afternoon when he, the victim and another friend were riding a motorcycle to the Jimbaran area, Kuta Selatan District, Badung Regency, Bali. “According to his friend, he wanted to train his friend to ride a two-wheeled vehicle on an incline,” said Ariasandy. When they arrived at the training location, the reporter, who was walking in front, said he could not see the two of his friends behind him. A few moments later, one of his friends behind him came up and told them that they had been attacked by unknown people. After that, the reporter and his friend went to the scene, but they failed to find the victim. “Only some of his belongings were found, including a mobile phone and a bag, which were then secured by the victim’s friend, and then reported to us. (It was reported) in the evening, around 11 pm,” he said. The police are also investigating a viral video made by the victim. Previously, a video circulated showing the victim in a wounded condition and asking for ransom money from his family. It is suspected that the location where the video was made is still in Bali. However, the police have not been able to confirm this. In addition, the police have not been able to confirm whether this case is related to an organised crime group, also known as the mafia. “This is still in the investigative stage. We are trying to find valid sources so that we can solve this case and immediately secure the perpetrators, including saving the victim,” said Ariasandy. (kdf/wis)[Gambas:Video CNN]