Police Visit Home of Driver Accused of Extorting Influencer and Foreigner in Bali
The Criminal Investigation Unit (Reskrim) of the Kuta Utara Police Station is investigating allegations of intimidation and extortion by a taxi driver against influencer Gebby Vesta and her foreign male companion. Police visited the driver’s residence in Dalung Village, Kuta Utara, Badung, to seek clarification.
“We have been monitoring the situation. Our officers have checked and even visited the driver’s house in Dalung to request initial statements so that we can obtain the full facts regarding the dispute,” said Kuta Utara Police Chief, Commissioner I Ketut Sukadana, on Tuesday (2/6/2026).
Sukadana stated that the police are also examining the statements of all parties involved in the viral video, namely MD (40), also known as Gebby Vesta, the passenger and video uploader, and her foreign male companion, identified by the initials AW.
Based on preliminary investigation results, police noted that the disturbance was purely due to a misunderstanding regarding additional fares and have not found strong evidence of extortion. The extortion allegation, Sukadana continued, remains unproven as the taxi driver requested extra fare based on a change in the travel route, which involved back-and-forth trips after the passenger’s ATM card was left behind.
Indications of extortion were also not met because the foreign passenger had no issue with the extra fare and proceeded to pay the initial agreed rate without coercion. The rate agreed upon at the start was Rp 300,000.
Furthermore, Sukadana stated that from deeper investigation, the driver’s action of entering the minimarket, as seen in the viral video, was intended to ensure the fare agreement with the foreign national. However, this action was misinterpreted by Gebby Vesta, triggering an argument.
The driver has not been detained. “It was a misunderstanding between the taxi driver and the passengers regarding the perception of the request for an additional fare. No strong indications of extortion have been found,” explained Sukadana.
Previously, in a video uploaded by influencer Gebby Vesta, a confrontation between herself and a local transport driver went viral on social media. The disturbance was allegedly triggered by suspected extortion and intimidation by the driver after they returned from a restaurant in the Kuta Utara, Badung area.
Gebby had cancelled an online transport booking out of sympathy and agreed to hire a local taxi for Rp 300,000. The issue arose when the driver entered the ATM vestibule and requested an additional Rp 200,000, while also using harsh language and forcing them to disembark.
Gebby Vesta confirmed that the incident occurred on Sunday (31/5/2026) at approximately 03:30 WITA after they had socialised at Miss Fish, Tibubeneng. She stated she chose to make the incident viral to represent other victims who have experienced similar methods but are afraid to speak out.