13 Foreigners, Including Nigerians and Russians, Arrested in Bali on Suspicion of Prostitution

Thirteen foreign nationals, suspected of involvement in prostitution, have been arrested in Bali, Indonesia. The individuals apprehended hail from various countries including Nigeria, Russia, Ukraine, and Kazakhstan. Immigration authorities have reiterated their firm stance against visa abuses and violations of local laws. The joint operation, conducted by the Ngurah Rai Immigration Office, the Bali Regional Office of the Directorate General of Immigration, and the Bali Regional Police, targeted three areas: Seminyak in Kuta District, and Umalas and Canggu in North Kuta District, Badung Regency. The operation resulted in the apprehension of 12 women and one man. According to Muhamad Novyandri, Head of the Ngurah Rai Immigration Office, the arrested foreigners are undergoing further examination for alleged violations of Article 75 of Law Number 6 of 2011 concerning Immigration, as well as potential criminal offenses. Conviction could lead to deportation, a five-year ban from entering Indonesia, and criminal penalties. The investigation reportedly began with suspicions of prostitution activities facilitated through booking systems via applications like WhatsApp. In Canggu, a Russian national was apprehended for allegedly misusing a remote worker visa. A Ukrainian national is suspected of facilitating these prostitution services. In Seminyak, three Nigerian women were arrested in connection with alleged prostitution services advertised on an online platform. They were found to be overstaying their visitor visas, with durations of 58, 94, and 134 days respectively, after their internship program visas had expired. In the Umalas area, intelligence gathered through Telegram led to the arrest of three Russian women and one Kazakhstani woman. Additionally, four more Nigerian women were arrested in the same area on similar charges. Ramdhani, Head of the Bali Regional Office of the Directorate General of Immigration, stated that these actions are part of Bali Immigration's commitment to maintaining a conducive and secure environment while respecting local laws and socio-cultural values. He emphasized that while Bali's tourism is fully supported, there will be no tolerance for foreigners who abuse their stay permits, break the law, or tarnish Bali's tourism image. He affirmed that surveillance of foreigners will be continuously strengthened, aligning with the Director General of Immigration's directive to be present for the public through quality services, optimal oversight, and fair law enforcement. Appreciation was also extended to the Bali Regional Police and the community for their support through information sharing and on-ground collaboration. Source: CNN Indonesia