INDONESIAUPDATES.COM, News En – Bali Police have cleared Russian national Khasan Askhabov, 30, of any involvement in the recent kidnapping and robbery of Ukrainian citizen Igor Iermakov, following an intensive investigation. Askhabov, who was initially suspected of being part of a Russian gang involved in the crime, was released after it was revealed that he had no connection to the incident.
According to Bali Police Public Relations Chief, Commissioner Ariasandy, after questioning Askhabov, investigators found no evidence linking him to the group of nine individuals wanted for their role in the crime. “Based on the investigation, there was no evidence of his involvement, as at the time of the incident, he was in Dubai,” Ariasandy confirmed on Saturday in Denpasar.
Askhabov had been detained by joint personnel from Bali Police and the Immigration Office on Thursday, January 30, at I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport, under suspicion of being one of the kidnappers. However, following the clarification of his status, Askhabov was immediately released and allowed to continue his journey to Dubai.
His legal representative, Edward Pangkahila, emphasized that his client had denied all accusations against him. One of the critical pieces of evidence in Askhabov’s defense was his solid alibi: he was not in Bali at the time of the kidnapping. Furthermore, when confronted with the victim, Iermakov was unable to recognize Askhabov or confirm any previous encounters with him.
The kidnapping, which took place on December 15, 2024, in South Kuta District, Badung Regency, left Iermakov and his driver in a terrifying situation. The pair were ambushed while traveling in a BMW when two other vehicles blocked their path. Armed with knives, hammers, and guns, the masked assailants — who wore black shirts with “polisi” (police) logos — forced the victims out of the car, blindfolded them, and restrained them with handcuffs.
The kidnappers then took Iermakov and his driver to a villa in South Kuta, where they coerced Iermakov into transferring cryptocurrency assets worth Rp 3.5 billion ($214,500) into two separate accounts. Iermakov managed to escape and was found by local residents in an injured state. He reported the incident to the police on December 20, 2024.
After a month-long investigation, the case was publicly announced by Bali Police on January 30, 2025. Police are now working in collaboration with Interpol to track down the remaining nine suspects involved in the crime.
The release of Askhabov and the ongoing pursuit of the real perpetrators highlight the complexities of international crime cases, especially in Bali, a popular destination for foreign nationals. While Askhabov’s innocence was proven, the investigation continues, and Bali authorities are committed to bringing those responsible to justice.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) on the Bali Kidnapping Case Involving Khasan Askhabov
1. Who is Khasan Askhabov? Khasan Askhabov is a 30-year-old Russian national who was initially suspected of being involved in the kidnapping and robbery of Ukrainian citizen Igor Iermakov in Bali. After a thorough investigation, he was cleared of any involvement.
2. What happened during the kidnapping in Bali? On December 15, 2024, Ukrainian national Igor Iermakov and his driver were ambushed in South Kuta District, Badung Regency. The assailants, wearing masks and “polisi” (police) shirts, forcibly removed the victims from their car, restrained them, and demanded a transfer of cryptocurrency assets worth Rp 3.5 billion ($214,500). The victims were later able to escape, and Iermakov reported the incident to the police.
3. Why was Khasan Askhabov initially detained? Askhabov was detained after being suspected of being involved in the kidnapping and robbery, allegedly linked to a Russian gang. He was arrested by Bali Police at I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport on January 30, 2025.
4. What cleared Khasan Askhabov of the charges? Following an investigation, it was determined that Askhabov was in Dubai at the time of the kidnapping. Additionally, Iermakov could not identify him or confirm any previous interactions. These factors, supported by evidence provided by Askhabov, led to his release.
5. Is Askhabov a suspect in any other crimes? As of now, Askhabov is not considered a suspect in any other crimes related to this case. He has denied all allegations against him and was cleared of any involvement.
6. Who are the remaining suspects in the case? There are nine individuals still being sought by authorities in connection with the kidnapping and robbery. Bali Police are collaborating with Interpol to locate and apprehend the suspects.
7. How did the police investigate the case? The investigation involved gathering evidence, questioning suspects, and verifying alibis. In Askhabov’s case, the police confirmed that he was not in Bali at the time of the crime, and the victim was unable to identify him.
8. What steps are being taken to apprehend the remaining suspects? Bali Police are working with Interpol to track down the remaining nine suspects. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are committed to bringing those responsible for the crime to justice.
9. Was the police uniform worn by the kidnappers legitimate? No, the “polisi” (police) shirts worn by the kidnappers were not issued by the police. Bali Police confirmed that the shirts were likely meant to deceive the victims and give the appearance of legitimacy.
10. What is the status of the cryptocurrency assets? The investigation is still ongoing, and there has been no public update on whether the stolen cryptocurrency has been recovered.
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