Bali

Authorities say Russians and Ukrainians are collaborating to form crime rings on Indonesia’s most famous holiday island.

An Indonesian court has sentenced a Ukrainian man to life in prison for his role in a large-scale Russian-Ukrainian drug ring operating on the tourist island of Bali.

Thai authorities arrested Roman Nazarenko, who was listed as a fugitive by Interpol, at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport in December as he attempted to flee to Dubai, then extradited him to Indonesia.

Nazarenko had spent seven months on the run after police raided a holiday villa in Bali in May 2024, finding a laboratory in the basement used to grow marijuana and produce a precursor of the synthetic drug ecstasy.

During Nazarenko’s trial at Denpasar District Court on Thursday, prosecutors argued he was one of the masterminds of a drug ring.

The Ukrainian claimed he was tricked into joining the ring and sat silently as the panel of three judges handed down a life sentence.

“There is no reason to forgive or justify the defendant; he deserves to be punished commensurate with what he has done,” presiding Judge Eni Martiningrum said.

“His crime could damage the mental state of the young generation.”

Marthinus Hukom, the head of Indonesia’s National Narcotics Agency, said there is a growing issue of Russians and Ukrainians collaborating in crime rings on Indonesia’s most famous holiday island.

“This is a very unique phenomenon,” Hukom said.

“Two countries that are at war, but here in Bali, their citizens are partners in crime, engaging in illicit drug trafficking.”

Authorities also arrested two Ukrainian brothers, Mykyta Volovod and Ivan Volovod, and a Russian man, Konstantin Krutz, during the earlier raid on the villa. The same court sentenced each of the men to 20 years in prison.

Prosecutors argued that the Volovod brothers were the drug producers, while Krutz sold their product.

Prosecutors have also identified a Russian man, Oleg Tkachuck, who they believe to be the drug ring’s overall mastermind. He remains at large.

According to the Volovod brothers, Tkachuck paid them $30,000 in September 2023 to install equipment at the villa to produce hydroponic marijuana and mephedrone – used in the production of ecstasy pills.

According to prosecutors, Nazarenko recruited the other convicted men for Tkachuck, as well as provided equipment and marijuana seeds, and oversaw operations of the lab.

Nazarenko argued in court that he had been tricked by Tkachuck and expressed remorse for his role in the drug operation.

Indonesia has some of the strictest drug laws in the region, with drug smugglers sometimes executed by firing squad.

Bali, meanwhile, has become a magnet for thousands of people from Russia and Ukraine fleeing the horrors of war since President Vladimir Putin launched his full-scale invasion in early 2022.

Russian visitors, in particular, more than tripled between 2022 and 2024 – growing from 57,860 to 180,215 last year.

At least four people have died and dozens are missing after a ferry sank off Indonesia’s tourist island of Bali, rescuers said.

The boat was carrying 53 passengers and 12 crew members when it sank at 23:20 local time (15:35 GMT) on Wednesday while on its way to Bali from Banyuwangi on the eastern coast of Java island, the Surabaya office of the National Search and Rescue Agency said.

Twenty-nine survivors have been rescued, authorities say, as the search continues.

Photos published by Antara news agency showed ambulances on standby and residents waiting for updates by the roadside.

Authorities are investigating the cause of the sinking.

The ferry operator told local media that the vessel had reported engine trouble shortly before it sank.

The vessel’s route is often used by locals going between the islands of Java and Bali.

Four survivors who were found on a lifeboat were all residents of Banyuwangi, the Surabaya search and rescue team said.

Marine accidents are frequent in Indonesia, a sprawling archipelago of around 17,000 islands, where uneven enforcement of safety regulations is a longstanding concern.

An Australian woman died in March after a boat capsized off Bali with 16 people on board.

BREAKINGBREAKING,

National Search and Rescue Agency says rescuers searching for 43 people after vessel sank off resort island.

Rescuers are searching for 43 people missing in rough seas overnight after a ferry carrying 65 people sank near Indonesia’s resort island of Bali.

The KMP Tunu Pratama Jaya sank almost half an hour after leaving East Java’s Ketapang port late Wednesday, the National Search and Rescue Agency said in a statement.

It was bound for Bali’s Gilimanuk port, a 50-kilometre (30-mile) trip.

The ferry carried 53 passengers, 12 crew members and 22 vehicles, including 14 trucks, it said.

Two bodies have been recovered and 20 were rescued, many of them unconscious after drifting in choppy waters for hours, said Banyuwangi police chief, Rama Samtama Putra.

Nine boats, including two tug boats and two inflatable boats, have been searching for the missing people since Wednesday night, battling waves up to two metres (6.5ft) high in the overnight darkness.

Ferry tragedies are common in Indonesia, an archipelago of more than 17,000 islands, where ferries are often used as transport and safety regulations can lapse.

More to follow…

This Andalusian town has been named the ‘Bali of Europe’ because of its laidback atmosphere and expansive, white sand beaches – and it’s cheap to get to

A beach town in the south of Spain has been drawing comparisons to Bali – and once you see it you’ll understand why. This destination is much more than just a Bali dupe, its beaches and tranquil atmosphere are completely distinct.

Tarifa is the southernmost town in Europe, is less than nine miles from Africa. Its unique position – tied to two seas and two continents – and access to the foothills of the Penibaetic mountain offer travellers a wealth to explore and experience.

Tarifa’s location means it is subject to very strong winds – considered the ‘windiest’ town on the continent. But as a consequence, it has become the kite surfing capital of Europe, drawing avid surfers in droves each year.

But it is the expansive sand beaches that bring travellers back again and again and put Bali top of mind. The travel influencer and photographer, Rafaela, recently posted a travel vlog about Tarifa with the title: “Is this the Bali of Europe”?

READ MORE: Beautiful little island with 33C temperatures in May named world favourite

On her travel channel, Travel with Rafa, Rafaela describes Tarifa’s as a “tropical paradise in the middle of the Mediterranean”. She continues: “The laidback lifestyle, the beautiful beaches, the epic sunsets and the surf culture make this place special.”

Bolonia beach is one of the popular beaches in Tarifa for windsurfing but it is also known for its immaculate white sands. On a clear day, you can see the African continent from here and it is also next to the Baelo Claudia Archaeological Site preserving the ruins of a Roman town.

Los Lances beach is also another must-visit spot for more active travellers intent on surfing. This beach is also a protected area where you take long scenic walks to discover the local natural landscape.

Perhaps the most ‘Bali-like’ beach is Valdevaqueros which is also home to the beloved surfer bar: Tumbao Beach Bar. Waikiki beach bar – distinguishable by its thatched umbrellas – is also a great tourist spot as well as Aloha Bar for €2.5 cocktails.

In her travel blog, Petite Suitcase, the travel writer and photographer Scarlett compared Tarifa to her native California. “Tarifa’s eclectic, beach town vibe reminds me of somewhere like Santa Cruz” writes Scarlett.

Tarifa’s Old Town is also certainly worth exploring, filled with tapas bars, nightclubs and shops selling local goods. One of the many things that distinguish Tarifa from Bali and other destinations is its distinctly vibrant nightlife, which is enjoyed by both locals and tourists alike.

Some must-visit attractions include Puerta de Jerez – the ancient entrance of the walled town- and the 800-year-old Castle of Tarifa. Travellers can also go to the Isla de Tarifa which offers wonderful views of the town.

It is also worth noting that Tarifa has become a hub for ‘glamping’ in recent years. There are numerous campsites and caravan sites where travellers can enjoy a more nature-centric holiday – with access to all modern conveniences.

There is no airport in Tarifa, with the nearest being Malaga Airport which is just under two hours away via car, a journey spanning approximately 76 miles. Budget airlines such as Vueling, according to Kayak, show flight prices as low as £41 from July 19 to 26 at the time of writing.

Other popular airlines such as Ryanair, easyJet and Jet2 operate numerous flights from UK airports to Malaga each week.