Torture, Extortion, and Kidnapping: MMA Fighter Arrested in Bali

MMA fighter Khasan Askhabov has been detained in Bali – he is suspected of kidnapping a Ukrainian citizen and extorting $200,000, reports NewsBox.

Indonesian police have detained the well-known mixed martial artist Khasan Askhabov. He is suspected of kidnapping a Ukrainian national using violence and demanding a ransom of 3.2 billion rupiah (approximately $200,000). This was reported by the head of Bali's police public relations department.

The athlete was arrested on January 30th at the airport while attempting to leave the island and fly to Dubai. Nine more Russian citizens are also implicated in the crime.

Previously, Khasan Askhabov and his twin brother were detained by Thai authorities. In the fall of 2023, they were accused of attacking an Italian businessman on the island of Phuket. According to the police, the criminals broke into a villa, tied up the owner, and tortured him throughout the night, including with a red-hot iron. The criminals made away with 40,000 euros in cash, expensive watches, and electronics, with total damages estimated at over 300,000 euros. Several Kazakhstani citizens were also suspected in the crime.

How the Askhabovs avoided punishment in Thailand and moved to Bali remains a mystery.

Khasan Askhabov is a decorated MMA fighter. Since 2015, he has held the title of WWFC world champion in the featherweight division. In his professional career, he has achieved 23 victories and only 2 losses.