DENPASAR, DEWATA.NEWS – DNA testing has confirmed that human remains discovered in Ketewel, Gianyar, belong to a Ukrainian national who had previously been reported as a kidnapping victim in Bali.
Bali Police spokesperson, Senior Commissioner Ariasandy, announced the results during a press conference on Friday (March 6, 2026). The remains were examined by the Indonesian National Police Forensic Laboratory after being recovered from the coastal area of Ketewel.
Authorities submitted several bone samples for testing, including molar teeth, collarbone fragments, thigh bone, ribs, toe bones, and shin bone fragments.
“DNA identified from the molar teeth, collarbone, thigh bone fragments, ribs, toe bones, and shin bone fragments matches the same individual whose blood profile was found in a black Avanza vehicle and at a villa in Pangkung Village, Tabanan,” Ariasandy said.
The forensic results confirmed that the remains belonged to Igor Komarov, a 28-year-old Ukrainian national who had been reported missing after a suspected kidnapping.
Police said the case likely began on February 15, 2026. It gained public attention after a video circulated online showing the victim being forced to broadcast a live message on social media.
The investigation advanced after the arrest of a foreign national identified as “C” at a hotel in West Nusa Tenggara on February 23. The suspect allegedly rented a black Avanza car and two motorcycles used in the kidnapping.
Authorities detained the individual after discovering he had used a false passport when renting the vehicles.
Based on his testimony, as well as GPS vehicle data and CCTV analysis, police later identified six additional foreign nationals suspected of involvement in the crime. The suspects, identified by the initials RM, BK, AS, VN, SM, and DH, have been placed on Indonesia’s wanted list.
Investigators also traced the case to a villa in Tabanan believed to have been used to detain the victim. Forensic teams found blood traces at the location, which matched the blood samples recovered from the vehicle linked to the suspects.
The investigation intensified after human body parts believed to be the victim were discovered on February 26, 2026, near the mouth of the Wos Teben River in Ketewel Village, Sukawati District, Gianyar Regency.
All recovered remains were transported to Prof. Dr. I.G.N.G. Ngoerah General Hospital in Denpasar for autopsy and identification.
DNA Matched with Victim’s Mother
Police also requested a DNA sample from the victim’s mother to confirm the identity of the remains.
According to Ariasandy, the laboratory analysis showed that blood samples collected from the crime scenes were identical to the genetic profile obtained from the victim’s mother.
The findings confirm that the remains discovered in Ketewel belong to the kidnapped Ukrainian national.
To pursue the remaining suspects believed to have fled abroad, Bali Police have coordinated with international law enforcement.
“We have issued Interpol Red Notices for six suspects who are believed to have escaped overseas,” Ariasandy said.
Investigators are continuing to pursue the individuals involved and are focusing on identifying the main organizers behind the crime, which police suspect was motivated by financial motives.