BADUNG, Bali – Two Bali immigration officers, Ernest Ezmail and Yopita Barinda Putri, have been arrested for allegedly backing a criminal network run by two Russian nationals, Iurii Vitchenko (30) and Ilia Shkutov (32). Police revealed that the officers abused their positions to intimidate victims with deportation threats before extorting money through cryptocurrency transfers.

Bali Police Chief Insp. Gen. Daniel Adityajaya explained the perpetrators’ method during a press conference in Denpasar on Friday (Aug 1).

“Their modus operandi was extortion combined with kidnapping, as well as threatening to take the victims to the Immigration Office and deport them.”

The case began when Ernest was introduced to the gang leader, known only as GG, who promised payment if he helped collect a supposed “debt” from a foreign national. Ernest then involved Yopita, his colleague at Immigration, to assist in targeting victims.

After identifying their target, the two officers worked with the Russians. In early July 2025, they raided the home of Lithuanian national Roman Smeliov (45) in Jimbaran. The victim was tied up, beaten, and forced to transfer cryptocurrency worth around IDR?2.3?billion. Ernest and Yopita checked his documents and threatened to deport him if he refused to comply.

Bali Immigration Chief Parlindungan confirmed full support for the ongoing legal process.

“If proven guilty, we will hold an ethics hearing and impose severe sanctions, including dismissal,” he said.

The two Russians were arrested in Mandalika, West Nusa Tenggara, on July 21, 2025, while the gang’s mastermind GG remains at large. Police suspect the group is also involved in drug trafficking, prostitution, and crypto-based money laundering.

All suspects face charges under Article 170 of Indonesia’s Criminal Code on assault, carrying a maximum penalty of up to eight years in prison. The case has sparked outrage as it exposes state officials abusing their authority to commit crimes against tourists.