A Russian citizen identified as Sergei Domogatskii, known online as @mr.terimakasih, has reported being kidnapped and assaulted while in Bali. The case gained wide attention after a video and posts detailing the alleged incident went viral on Instagram, prompting an official response from the Bali Regional Police (Polda Bali).
According to Sergei’s post, the incident began around 10:30 p.m. WITA on Saturday, 18 October 2025, when he was stopped near Sanur Harbour in Denpasar while riding his motorcycle.
He wrote that he was dragged into a car, had a sack placed over his head, was tied up, and beaten. Sergei said he doubted his captors were real police officers because the uniforms they wore looked old-fashioned.
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Sergei stated that two men, both wearing black uniforms and masks, forced him into an Alphard car. He was driven to a house in the Bukit area of Jimbaran, where he was allegedly beaten and tortured for about three hours.
On social media, he added, “They shocked me with electricity and took my phone. They forced me to unlock it.”
The perpetrators, according to Sergei, demanded access to his cryptocurrency wallet. He alleged that they transferred 4,617 USDT (approximately USD 4,617 or IDR 73 million) from his account.
Police Investigate Extortion and Assault Allegations
Speaking to the media, Senior Commissioner Ariasandy, Head of Public Relations for the Bali Regional Police, confirmed that a report from Russian citizen had been received and that officers were verifying the claims.
“Two unknown individuals wearing black uniforms and masks got out of a car and forced the reporter, Sergei Domogatskii, into the car. They then took the victim to a house in the Bukit area, Jimbaran, South Kuta,” Ariasandy said on Tuesday (21 October 2025), as quoted by Kompas.com.
He added that investigators were gathering evidence and statements from the complainant. “We are examining the timeline and identifying all individuals allegedly involved,” he stated.
According to the police report, after Sergei had been taken to the house and assaulted, three other suspected Russian nationals arrived.
They allegedly demanded a ransom of USD 1 million and threatened to send Sergei to prison. Sergei reported that one of the perpetrators placed what resembled a firearm and a packet of drugs in his hand while making the threats.
When Sergei said he could not pay the ransom, he claimed he was driven away and later abandoned near The Apurva Kempinski Hotel in South Kuta. Before leaving, the perpetrators allegedly returned his phone.
Sergei reported the incident the next day, Sunday, 19 October 2025, to the Criminal Investigation Unit (SPKT) of the Bali Regional Police.
He filed a complaint under Articles 368, 170, and 351 of the Indonesian Criminal Code, concerning extortion, collective violence, and assault. The report also detailed material losses from the alleged crypto transfer and physical injuries to his right arm.
Police have yet to disclose whether any suspects have been detained, stating that the investigation remains ongoing.
