Bali Police Launch Investigation into Alleged Kidnapping of Ukrainian Tourist
Gianyar, Bali – February 23, 2026
Indonesian authorities have initiated a search and investigation after a 28-year-old Ukrainian man was reported missing under circumstances suggesting possible abduction on Bali, the renowned resort island.
The missing individual, identified as Igor Komarov, was last seen Saturday night in the Kuta area, according to local police reports. Prompted by the report, Gianyar Police conducted a security sweep on the main border between regencies, focusing on the Tulikup–Sidan intersection. The operation began at 9:45 p.m. and involved 35 officers from multiple units including criminal investigation, traffic, narcotics, public order, and internal affairs. During the two-hour operation, authorities inspected 120 cars and 50 motorcycles but found no concrete leads or vehicles related to the disappearance.
Commissioner I Nyoman Sukadana, leading the Gianyar Police operations, stated that the sweep was directed by Bali Police leadership to enhance security and restrict the movements of any potential suspects. The suspected kidnapping reportedly occurred within the jurisdiction of South Kuta Police, part of the Denpasar City Police area, triggering Bali Police to increase patrols throughout the Sarbagita metropolitan region encompassing Denpasar, Badung, Gianyar, and Tabanan.
In parallel with the investigation, social media posts have circulated claims that Igor Komarov is the son of a crime figure from Dnipro, Ukraine, with reports alleging his capture for ransom. A widely shared online video purportedly shows a man claiming to be Komarov, visibly bruised and stating that his abductors demanded $10 million. However, neither the authenticity of the video nor the ransom demand has been independently verified.
The Ukrainian diplomatic mission in Indonesia acknowledged awareness of the reports but confirmed no official communication from Indonesian authorities has been received. Ukrainian Chargé d’Affaires Yevhenia Shynkarenko commented to local media, “We can neither confirm nor deny the kidnapping,” and noted no formal request for diplomatic assistance has been submitted.
Indonesian police have yet to release further details or confirm any ransom demands as the investigation continues. Patrols and security measures remain intensified across the region as authorities seek to locate Igor Komarov and unravel the circumstances surrounding his disappearance.
The police urge the public to report any relevant information that could assist the ongoing investigation into this disturbing case on the island.
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