DENPASAR, Bali – Bali police have issued a wanted notice for a foreign national accused of violently robbing Ukrainian citizen Igor Iermakov (48) and forcing him to transfer Rp 3.4 billion in cryptocurrency. The high-profile crime occurred in South Kuta in December 2024, and authorities are now preparing a red notice for Interpol.

The robbery happened on Sunday, December 15, when Iermakov was traveling to a villa in a white BMW. His car was blocked by two vehicles, and four masked men dressed in black with “Police” insignias exited carrying a gun, hammer, and knife.

“The suspect list now includes one foreigner, and we’ve declared them wanted in this case of robbery with violence,” said Bali Police spokesperson Kombespol Jansen Avitus Panjaitan Ariasandy on Friday, June 27.

Ariasandy noted that police faced setbacks because Iermakov delayed reporting the crime. “Each case has its own character. In this one, the report was not made promptly, which affected the investigation,” he added.

The suspects reportedly forced Iermakov and his driver into one of their cars and took them to a villa in Jimbaran. There, they seized the victim’s phone and ordered a cryptocurrency transfer to an account believed to be theirs.

Iermakov managed to escape and later filed a report. During initial investigations, police mistakenly arrested Russian national Khasan Askhabov (30) at Ngurah Rai Airport. He was released and repatriated after being cleared of involvement.

Police say the case remains active, with international efforts underway to track down the main suspect.