Taxi Driver Allegedly Extorts Gebby Vesta and Foreign National in Bali, Followed to ATM

A video showing social media influencer Gebby Vesta and a foreign national male friend arguing with a local taxi driver has gone viral on social media. The altercation was sparked by alleged extortion and intimidation by the driver after they left a restaurant in Kerobokan, North Kuta, Badung. “I know he was parked there because I’ve taken his taxi with tourists before, and he always asks for Rp 300,000 from the foreigner. So yesterday when I said Rp 300,000, he replied: ‘Can you ask for more from the foreigner, miss?’”, Gebby stated in a video detailing the incident. According to the post, the incident began when Gebby agreed to hire a local taxi for Rp 300,000, cancelling an online ride-hailing service out of sympathy for the driver despite the app’s fare being only Rp 78,000. The issue arose when the driver followed them into the ATM booth while her foreign friend was withdrawing cash, causing the man to become frightened. “When we got in the car, the foreigner told me, ‘Why is he always following me? And he keeps talking about more money. My card is missing and I need cash, can I transfer it to you and you withdraw it for me?’”, the transgender woman recounted her panicked friend’s words after his ATM card was lost and stolen. Upon hearing the transfer plan, the driver immediately demanded an additional Rp 200,000, prompting a stern rebuke from Gebby. The taxi driver, upset by the criticism, began using abusive language and forced Gebby and her companion to exit the vehicle. “I said, ‘Sir, you were already paid Rp 300,000 for a short trip, you should be grateful,’ but he replied, ‘Why are you dictating? It’s not your money, the foreigner is fine with it.’ I told him, ‘If he’s fine with it, why is he so uneasy?’”, the model and DJ explained. Inside the convenience store, the driver continued to chase them and insist on more money, leaving the foreigner visibly frustrated and clutching his head due to feeling intimidated. The ordeal ended only when Gebby recorded the entire incident. When contacted via direct message by detikBali, Gebby Vesta confirmed the incident occurred on Sunday (31 May 2026) around 3:30 AM WITA. She stated she had just left Miss Fish restaurant in Tibubeneng, North Kuta. “The Sunday early morning incident is exactly as it went viral. The driver has not apologised,” Gebby said when confirmed on Monday (1 June 2026). Gebby added she had the courage to share the incident to represent other victims who have faced similar scams in the tourist area. However, she acknowledged many are too afraid to speak out. She hopes authorities will take firm action to prevent recurrence.