Bali Police have launched a full-fledged investigation in connection with the kidnapping, robbery, and temporary confinement of Igor Lermakov, a Ukrainian businessman, targeted by a 9-member mafia-like group of men on Sunday, 15 December 2024, at 1:30 pm.
This kidnapping and extortion case has gone viral on social media in the past few days. A group of 9 people, suspected members of a Russian gang, went on a rampage and kidnapped and robbed Igor Lermakov.
It started when Lermakov, born on January 28, 1977, intended to return to his residence in the South Kuta area on Sunday, December 15, 2025, at around 1:30 pm. On the way, they suspected that someone was following them, causing the victim’s driver from Russia with the initials GN to accelerate, trying to evade the roadblock.
The Ukrainian’s vehicle, driven by another Ukrainian, was blockaded fore and aft by two other cars, a luxury black Alphard (Police registration B 2144 SIJ) and black Toyota Innova carrying the nine armed assailants wearing military gear, bullet-proof vests emblazoned with the label “POLICE” and black balaclavas used to conceal their identity.
The “Gang” is accused of using police uniforms, knives, hammers, and firearms during the commission of the crime.
Lermakov was handcuffed and beaten as the assailants dragged from his vehicle. A black sack was placed over the Lermakov’s head while he was driven to two villas over several days, first in Jimbaran and later in Ubud.
Beaten and tortured, Lermakov was first brought to a villa on Jalan Blong Keker, Permata Gatsu Regency Blok A, Kuta Selatan, where the beatings continued, and code access to his crypto accounts were obtained under duress, allowing the withdrawal of Rp. 3.3 billion,
Later, he was driven to another villa on Jalan Sawag Indah Gang 88, Peliatan, Ubud. In Ubud, the victim, bloodied with his hands still handcuffed, managed to escape from his captors to seek help from neighbors before reporting his kidnapping to the Police on 30 January – 15 days after his initial abduction.
Based on information provided to the Police, the nine kidnappers are believed to be from Russia, Uzbekistan, and Ukraine.
Bali Police Spokesman, Commissioner Ariasandy, said the case is under special and intensive investigation by the Criminal Division of the Provincial Police. Ariassandy insists the Police are fully committed to solving the violent kidnapping.
Police have already conducted a preliminary reconstruction of the kidnapping and its aftermath, providing daily updates on their work to the victim. Police have reportedly already managed to identify that the nine attackers are citizens of Russia, Uzbekistan, and Ukraine. Police reportedly also have the names of the nine in hand and have issued formal summons via their respective consulates, commanding them to report to police headquarters for interrogation.
According to Beritabali.com, Police report that despite issuing two summons, none of the men presented themselves at police headquarters.
On 30 January 2025, the Police spokesman said: “There are nine foreign nationals sought from Russia, Uzbekistan, and Ukraine. We hope they will cooperate and present themselves for questioning so that this case can be concluded soon.”
Bali police also have noted and discounted the fact that the assailants wore police uniforms. Because these uniforms are easily acquired, the use of police accruements does not automatically prove any official police involvement in the kidnapping incident crime.
Police admit that investigators are not yet able to clarify the relationship between the victim and the perpetrators but suspect the incident was a violent criminal act involving extortion. This all points to a violation of Article 170 and Article 368 of the Indonesian Criminal Code (KUHP) regulating criminal acts of violence and extortion. The Ukrainian victim was said to have been compelled to surrender over Crypto assets worth US$ 214,424 (around Rp 3.3 billion).
“Investigators are still looking into the roles of each party and the motives behind the crime,” explained the three-star officer who serves as Police spokesperson.
Police investigators in Bali are coordinating with the International Division of the National Police, the victim, and the respective consulates of the nine accused of involvement in the crime.
Late Breaking Development – One Suspect Arrested and Released
A Russian national, Igor Lermakov, said by Bali Police to be the ringleader of the Bali abduction, was taken into custody at around 7:00 pm on Thursday, 30 January 2025, while trying to board an Emirates Flight EK 369 bound for Dubai, U.A.E.
Askhabov (30) was suspected to be the leader of a Russian gang that kidnapped, detained, assaulted, extorted, and seized the crypto assets of the Ukrainian businessman Igor Lermakov, 48 years old, valued at Rp 3.2 billion.
Police report that Askhabov, an MMA professional fighter, was very cooperative with police, responding fully and readily to all their questions.
In support of his claim to have had no involvement in the kidnapping of Igor Lermakov, Askhabov shared with police chatting histories, telephone call records, and chronology detailing his whereabouts during the time in which the abduction took place.
After police reviewed the records provided by Askhabov and verified his alibis, they found nothing to substantiate the accusations made by Lermakov. When confronted further by police. Lermakov reportedly became confused. Police say that there is no proof that Lermakov or Askhabov has ever met. Moreover, the names of the 9 assailants provided by Lermakov in his police complaint were names given to the complainant by a friend living abroad.
Police are reportedly now doubting the report and testimony provided by Lermakov as the victim of the kidnapping and coercion incident.
Lacking evidence against Askhabov, police have released the Russian, who left Bali by boarding a flight to Dubai.
Askhabov thanked the Bali Police for their courteous treatment during his apprehension, questioning, and eventual release to the airport so that he could continue his trip.
Askhabov’s attorney in Bali underlined that his client supports the Bali Police and hopes they will soon be able to solve the subject kidnapping case.
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