BALINEWSID.COM, BADUNG – Police have arrested three foreign nationals linked to the production of a viral pornographic video that stirred widespread attention on social media due to its depiction of a man wearing an online motorcycle taxi (ojol) uniform and a foreign woman.

The case was uncovered by the Criminal Investigation Unit of Badung Police in collaboration with Ngurah Rai Immigration following an intensive investigation. Authorities confirmed that the suspects were involved both as actors and as the masterminds behind the production and distribution of the explicit content.

Badung Police Chief, AKBP Joseph Edward Purba, stated that the three suspects have been officially named and charged. They are identified as MMZL (23), a French woman; NBS (24), an Italian man; and ERB (26), a French man who acted as the manager and was responsible for uploading the content to adult platforms such as OnlyFans and X.

“In this case, we have named three suspects. The act was carried out with a clear modus operandi and motive, namely to gain financial profit from pornographic videos and content,” Purba said during a press conference at Badung Police Headquarters on Tuesday (March 17, 2026).

Police revealed that the use of an ojol uniform in the video was a deliberate strategy to attract attention and increase the likelihood of the content going viral. NBS reportedly purchased the ojol jacket for around Rp300,000 from a local shop and wore it during filming to create the impression that he was a legitimate driver.

“To draw public attention and create viral impact, he wore an ojol jacket. So, the individual seen in the video is an Italian national, not a real local driver,” Purba explained.

The tactic proved effective, as the video quickly spread across social media platforms, triggering speculation and even leading to suspicion directed at actual ojol drivers who were initially believed to be involved.

The investigation began on Friday (March 13, 2026), when cyber patrol officers detected the viral video containing pornographic material. Through digital profiling, authorities traced the production location to the jurisdiction of Badung Police.

During the probe, officers questioned a local ojol driver who had previously provided transportation services to MMZL while she was in Bali. The driver had also been invited to collaborate on light-themed ojol content via the social media account @ojolmagank.

“From the interrogation of the ojol driver who had collaborated with the suspects, we obtained crucial leads regarding their identities,” Purba added.

After identifying the suspects, police coordinated with Ngurah Rai Immigration and learned that MMZL and NBS were planning to leave Bali for Thailand via I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport. Authorities swiftly intercepted and arrested both individuals at the airport without resistance.

Meanwhile, ERB, who acted as the manager, was apprehended separately in the Canggu area of North Kuta, Badung, on Monday (March 16, 2026).

“Upon receiving information that the suspects intended to leave Bali, officers immediately secured them and brought them to Badung Police Headquarters for further investigation,” Purba said.

According to police findings, the video was filmed on Sunday, March 8, 2026, at approximately 2:40 PM local time in a villa located on Jalan Pantai Pererenan, Pererenan Village, Mengwi District, Badung Regency.

Authorities also seized several pieces of evidence used in the production, including three iPhones, a DJI Osmo camera, a MacBook Air, and an ojol vest used as a prop.

A total of five witnesses—four men and one woman—have been questioned in connection with the case. Police confirmed that none of the suspects are repeat offenders.

The three suspects have been charged under multiple provisions related to pornography and violations of Indonesia’s Electronic Information and Transactions (ITE) Law. They face Article 407 of Law No. 1 of 2023 on Criminal Law Regulations, which carries a prison sentence ranging from six months to 10 years. Additionally, they are charged under Article 45(1) of Law No. 19 of 2016 (amendment to Law No. 11 of 2008 on ITE), with a maximum penalty of six years imprisonment.

This case highlights the growing trend of sensational pornographic content created by exploiting certain identities or symbols to gain public attention and financial benefits. The misuse of ojol attributes not only misleads the public but also risks harming the reputation of legitimate drivers who have no involvement in such activities.

The swift action taken by authorities underscores the importance of cyber patrols and inter-agency collaboration, particularly with immigration, in addressing digital crimes involving foreign nationals.

The incident also reflects broader challenges faced by Bali as an international tourism destination, including the potential misuse of digital platforms by irresponsible individuals. Firm law enforcement is expected to serve as a deterrent and help maintain Bali’s image on the global stage.