Indonesian police have identified decomposed and mutilated human remains discovered on a Bali beach as those of a Ukrainian man who had been kidnapped while vacationing on the Indonesian resort island, authorities said Friday.
The victim, 28-year-old Ihor Komarov, was identified through DNA testing that matched samples taken from the remains with those of his mother, Bali police spokesperson Ariasandy told reporters in Denpasar, the capital of Bali,.
Komarov disappeared on Feb. 15 after being abducted in the resort town of Jimbaran. According to police, he had been riding a motorbike with a friend when a group of assailants forced him into a car. His companion was left behind and later reported the incident to authorities.
Body parts found on Bali coast
Days after the abduction, on Feb. 27, local residents discovered human body parts on a nearby beach and along a riverbank. On the same day, a dismembered body in an advanced state of decomposition was found on Gianyar Beach.
Because of the condition of the remains, investigators were initially unable to identify the victim. The body was sent for forensic examination, and authorities later confirmed Komarov’s identity through DNA testing.
Authorities believe Komarov was tortured before being killed, though the exact circumstances surrounding his death remain under investigation.
Ransom demands and torture
Five days after kidnapping, on Feb. 20, videos started circulating on Telegram showing Komarov pleading for release, with a bandaged hand, bruised face, and visible injuries.
Ukrainian journalist Vitalii Hlahola first reported the abduction the same day, saying Komarov and his friend Yermak Petrovsky were kidnapped by suspected Chechens.
The men were allegedly tracked via geolocation from an Instagram post by Komarov’s girlfriend, blogger Yeva Mishalova. Petrovsky reportedly escaped, but Komarov remained in captivity.
Hlahola claimed the kidnappers demanded $10 million and allegedly tortured Komarov, cutting off several fingers to pressure his family. He described both men as “sons of criminal authorities.”
Videos attached to Hlahola’s post allegedly show Komarov pleading for release, shirtless and with visible injuries, warning that infection could set in.
Suspects flee abroad
Authorities arrested the man who rented the car allegedly used in the kidnapping. He named six foreign nationals as co-conspirators. All six have fled Indonesia. Bali police issued international Red Notices for their arrest.
“Some carried out the kidnapping; others may have committed abuse afterward,” police spokesperson Ariasandy said. Several suspects reportedly hold multiple passports, complicating identification.
Rumors and alleged links
Unverified social media posts claim that Komarov may have been targeted over illegal call-center operations that allegedly defrauded victims of large sums.
In one of the videos, Komarov admits that in 2021, he and Petrovsky operated fraudulent call centers targeting Russian citizens, posing as bank security officials to extract money.
Indonesian authorities have not confirmed these allegations. The motive for the crime remains under investigation.