Inp.polri.go.id - Denpasar. 

 Bali Regional Police have arrested two immigration officers and two Russian citizens for allegedly orchestrating a violent extortion ring targeting dozens of foreign tourists across the island.

“The suspects kidnapped the victims, threatened deportation, and used violence to extort money and data,” said Bali Police Chief Inspector General Daniel Adityajaya during a press conference on Friday (1/8/2025), as quoted by antaranews.com.

The suspects, identified as Ernest Esmail (24), Yopita Barinda Putri (24), and Russians Iurii Vithcenko (30) and Ilia Shkutov (32), allegedly extorted over 27 foreign citizens between January and July 2025. Victims were threatened with arrest or deportation if they did not comply.

In one case, Lithuanian tourist Roman Smeliov was assaulted at his home. The attackers choked and beat him before realizing he was the wrong target. They then demanded access to his phone and threatened him with imprisonment and death.

“The operation was based on scientific crime investigation methods, and more victims may emerge,” Chief Daniel added.

The suspects face multiple criminal charges, including assault, extortion, and conspiracy.  The Russian suspects are still at large.

(mg/inp/pr/rs)