DENPASAR, DEWATA.NEWS – Bali Police have intensified their investigation into the alleged kidnapping of a 28-year-old Ukrainian national identified by initials IK, uncovering blood traces at a villa in Tabanan and inside a rented vehicle believed to have been used by the suspects.
Bali Police spokesperson Senior Commissioner Ariasandy said on Friday (February 27) that officers from the General Criminal Investigation Directorate and Denpasar Police immediately conducted a crime scene investigation after receiving the report.
“We immediately worked on processing the scene, tracing all evidence and witnesses who could describe the alleged kidnapping. This included reviewing CCTV recordings at road crossings and detecting vehicles that passed before and during the incident,” he stated.
Investigators identified a suspicious vehicle convoy consisting of one Toyota Avanza and two motorcycles. Further investigation led to the renter of the car, identified as suspect C, a foreign national. He was later arrested in West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) on Monday (February 23).
Through analysis of CCTV footage and GPS data from the vehicle, police tracked the route taken and discovered that the car had stopped at a villa in Tabanan. The location was suspected to have been used by the perpetrators when a video involving the victim was broadcast live.
“After checking the villa and matching it with the video that had circulated, the location appeared identical. We also found blood traces at the site,” Ariasandy said.
Samples of the blood stains have been collected for forensic identification. Blood traces were also found inside the rented Avanza.
“We hope the blood found in the car matches the blood found at the villa,” he added.
Investigators have since expanded the inquiry to include the villa renter and others connected to the property. CCTV footage also captured individuals riding motorcycles both at the initial scene and near the victim’s accommodation.
Police have identified six foreign nationals suspected of being directly involved in or having knowledge of the alleged kidnapping. According to Ariasandy, suspect C admitted receiving IDR 6 million to pay for the vehicle rental, indicating his role was to arrange the transportation.
Following case reviews and legal proceedings, investigators have officially named all six foreign nationals as suspects in the kidnapping case. Authorities are now coordinating with Interpol to locate the remaining suspects and initiate the issuance of a red notice.
“This reflects our commitment to uncovering criminal acts that occur in Bali, especially those involving foreign nationals,” Ariasandy said.
The investigation remains ongoing as police continue efforts to locate the suspects and determine the full circumstances of the case.