Inp.polri.go.id - Denpasar. Bali Regional Police confirmed on Wednesday (5/2/2025) that nine foreign nationals, suspected of cryptocurrency robbing and kidnapping Ukrainian man Igor Lermakov, are likely still in Bali.

"We can't be certain, but most of them are believed to remain here," said Bali Police Head of Public Relations Chief, Senior Superintendent Ariasandy, as quoted by antaranews.com. 

The suspects, reportedly from Russia, Ukraine, and Kazakhstan, are being tracked through their consulates. Bali Police have coordinated with Interpol and Immigration Office to locate them.

Chief Ariasandy clarified that the suspects are not yet on the immigration blacklist, as there isn't enough evidence. Once confirmed, they will be blacklisted.

The incident took place on 15 December 2024, when Lermakov and his driver were ambushed by armed robbers in Badung. The assailants forced the victim to a villa, assaulted him, and stole approximately Rp 3.49 billion in cryptocurrency.

(mg/inp/pr/nm)