Indonesian authorities have confirmed the identity of Igor Komarov, the victim in the failed kidnapping attempt for ransom in Bali, and have issued a red notice for the suspects.

Bali police (Indonesia) have officially confirmed that Igor Komarov, a 28-year-old Ukrainian tourist, died following a large-scale kidnapping for ransom. DNA testing of body parts found along the coast and river mouths has helped authorities close the search for the missing victim, which began in mid-February.

Developments in the Jimbaran kidnapping case

The incident began on February 15th when Komarov was traveling by motorcycle with a friend in the Jimbaran tourist area. A group of individuals in multiple cars blocked their path, forced the victim into a vehicle, and quickly fled the scene.

GPS data from the vehicle involved shows Komarov was taken to a villa in the Tabanan area, on the west coast of Bali. A video circulating on social media later showed the victim pleading with his family to pay a $10 million ransom. Police are currently verifying the authenticity of this footage.

The process of finding and verifying identity

On February 27, authorities discovered several body parts at the mouth of the Wos River, southeast of Bali, about 30 km from the suspected detention site. Due to the advanced state of decomposition, initial identification efforts proved difficult.
Cảnh sát phát hiện nhiều phần thi thể người tại cửa sông Wos, phía đông nam Bali.Police discovered numerous human body parts at the mouth of the Wos River, southeast of Bali.

However, forensic experts found distinctive tattoos that matched the description of the victim. By March 6th, DNA comparison with a sample from the victim’s mother confirmed his identity as Igor Komarov.
Nạn nhân Igor Komarov, 28 tuổi.The victim has been identified as Igor Komarov, 28 years old.

Authorities are searching for a group of transnational suspects.

Investigators have identified at least seven suspects involved, all of whom are foreigners. One suspect has been arrested on charges of renting a vehicle using a fake passport to carry out the kidnapping.

Four other suspects have left Indonesia via the international airport, while the remaining two are believed to still be at large within the country. Bali police are now working with Interpol to issue a red notice to locate this group globally.

Notably, the victim traveled to Bali with his girlfriend, Yea Mishalova, a social media influencer. Initial assessments suggest that his Instagram posts may have inadvertently revealed Komarov’s location, making him a target for a professional criminal group.