DENPASAR, DEWATA.NEWS – Bali Police are investigating the reported disappearance of a 28-year-old Ukrainian national identified by the initials IK, following the circulation of a viral video in which he claims to have been kidnapped and demands a ransom of US$10 million.
In the video, IK appears visibly injured and states that he was abducted in the South Kuta area. He pleads for his family to pay the ransom, which he claims amounts to approximately IDR 157 billion.
Head of Public Relations for Bali Police, Senior Commissioner Ariasandy, confirmed that authorities have received an official report regarding the missing foreign national. A joint team from South Kuta Police, Denpasar City Police, and Bali Police Headquarters is currently conducting an intensive investigation.
According to Ariasandy, the initial report was filed at South Kuta Police Station on Sunday night, Feb 15, 2026, by a friend of the victim who was present at the time of the alleged attack and abduction.
The incident reportedly occurred at around 22:30 WITA in the Jimbaran area. At the time, IK and two male friends were riding motorcycles with plans to practice riding on uphill terrain.
During the trip, one of the friends rode ahead. When he looked back, he realized that IK and another companion were no longer visible. Upon returning to the starting point, he learned that they had allegedly been attacked by a group of unidentified individuals.
At the scene, the witness found several of the victim’s belongings, including a mobile phone, bag, and wallet, which were secured as initial evidence and reported to police.
Regarding the viral video showing IK crying and claiming to have suffered broken ribs and a leg fracture, Ariasandy stated that police are still verifying the authenticity and origin of the recording.
“Whether it was recorded in Bali or elsewhere, we are still tracing that,” he said.
In the video, IK mentions that the alleged kidnapping was linked to a financial dispute involving his parents. However, police emphasized that they are focusing on the criminal investigation rather than speculation about possible motives.
Responding to claims circulating online that the victim is the son of a criminal figure in Dnipro, Ukraine, Ariasandy said that based on official documentation, the individual is registered in Indonesia as a tourist. Authorities declined to speculate about any alleged mafia connections or underlying motives until suspects are identified and apprehended.
“At this point, we only know that the report concerns a foreign national. We do not yet know any broader connections,” he said.
Investigators have questioned approximately 10 witnesses and secured several CCTV recordings from the Jimbaran area to trace the movements of those involved.
“Around 10 witnesses have been examined, and we have secured evidence. We are working to obtain valid sources to uncover this case,” Ariasandy said.
A crime scene investigation has been conducted by the Denpasar Police forensic identification team (Inafis) to collect any trace evidence from the alleged attack location.
Police urged the public to remain calm and avoid spreading speculation on social media while the case remains under active investigation.
Authorities stated that the case is still in the investigative stage and that efforts are focused on locating the victim and identifying those responsible. Bali Police emphasized their commitment to resolving the case promptly to maintain public safety and confidence among international visitors.