Ukrainian Man Sentenced to Life for Bali Drug Operations

Roman Nazarenko, a Ukrainian man extradited to Indonesia, was sentenced to life for producing illegal drugs in Bali. His arrest was part of a sting involving a drug lab supplying marijuana and ecstasy precursors. Collaborations between Ukrainians and Russians in Bali's crime rings have been rising.

A Ukrainian man, Roman Nazarenko, was sentenced to life imprisonment by an Indonesian court for producing illegal drugs on Bali. His conviction followed a protracted chase, eventually leading to his extradition from Thailand.

Upon a police raid in May 2024 in Bali, Nazarenko emerged as a key suspect when officers uncovered a drug-making lab in a villa. He was arrested at Bangkok Airport attempting to escape to Dubai.

The trial brought to light a growing crime nexus involving Russians and Ukrainians in Bali, where tourists from these nations have flocked since the onset of the Ukrainian conflict. Officials have noted a significant increase in related criminal activities.

(With inputs from agencies.)