BALINEWSID.COM, DENPASAR – The Criminal Investigation Unit of Denpasar City Police (Polresta Denpasar) has handed over 26 foreign nationals to immigration authorities as part of an ongoing investigation into an alleged confinement case in Kedonganan, Kuta, Badung.

Acting on behalf of Denpasar Police Chief Commissioner Leonardo D. Simatupang, Police Public Relations Officer Iptu I Gede Adi Saputra Jaya said the transfer was part of legal procedures in handling the case. The 26 foreigners, who had previously been secured by police, were handed over to the Class I Special Immigration Office Ngurah Rai to undergo further administrative and legal processes in accordance with Indonesian immigration laws.

The handover was led directly by the Head of the Jatanras Unit of the Criminal Investigation Division, Iptu I Kadek Astawa, along with his personnel on Wednesday (April 29, 2026), at the immigration office on Jalan By Pass Ngurah Rai, Jimbaran. The move reflects inter-agency coordination to ensure proper legal handling of foreign nationals involved in the case.

Earlier, a joint team from the Criminal Investigation Unit of Polresta Denpasar and Kuta Police raided a guest house located on Jalan By Pass Ngurah Rai, Gang Karang Sari, Kedonganan, on Monday (April 27, 2026) afternoon. The raid followed a report from the Philippine Embassy in Jakarta regarding alleged confinement of Filipino citizens who were suspected of being recruited to work as online scam operators.

During the operation, authorities secured 26 foreign nationals from various countries, including the Philippines and Kenya. Initial investigations revealed that several of them were unable to present valid travel documents, such as passports.

Police confirmed that the investigation is ongoing, particularly into the alleged confinement and the possibility of a broader criminal network behind the case. “Investigators are continuing to question witnesses and coordinate with immigration authorities as well as relevant embassies,” the police spokesperson said.