Russian Nationals Detained Over Fake License Plates

Share:

As a result of driving cars with fake license plates, foreign visitors, mostly of Russian and Ukrainian nationalities, are again in the headlines in Bali. The Traffic Directorate of the Bali Regional Police and the District Police initiated the investigations. The number of expatriates affixing fake license plates to their mopeds and motorcycles throughout Bali has increased alarmingly. The fake license plates aren’t officially filed with the transportation authority.

Sr. Comr. Stefanus Satake Bayu Setianto, the head of the Bali Police’s public relations department, said his team is keeping an eye out for drivers of both two- and four-wheeled vehicles who have installed fake license plates, particularly those who use Russian plates.

On Sunday, 5th of March 2023, Satake stated, “They use car license plates that do not comply with the rules.

He claimed that this action was done in response to numerous complaints made by members of the public and field officers who frequently saw large numbers of immigrants driving around in cars with license plates that had been altered to their liking without police identification.

fake license plates detained
Source Freepik

“Up to this point, four-wheeled and two-wheeled cars with Russian license plate numbers are still being sought after, and we make sure they will become the focus of investigations,” said Satake.

Around 10:00 central Indonesian time (WITA) on Sunday, the Klungkung Police Traffic Section detained four two-wheelers with fake license plates in Nusa Lembongan, operated by several tourists and locals.

The drivers broke several stringent traffic laws, including driving with fake license plates, not wearing an SNI helmet, driving without a license, being unidentified (passport-less), and failing to show possession of the car.

“Australian and French nationals were among the foreigners detained on Nusa Lembongan. The Russians have not yet been located, according to Satake.

The Bali Police will step up surveillance, particularly in tourist areas like Kuta, Seminyak, Canggu, Tanah Lot, Ubud, and other tourist areas in Gianyar and Denpasar as a result of numerous public complaints.

Satake said, “We, the Bali Regional Police, hope that whoever owns the vehicle with the Russian fake license plate number has the awareness to replace it right away with the original plate, and people who know the whereabouts of the vehicles, please report to the nearest police and we will take action against the drivers.”

Interested about this topic? Check out our other articles: 

Share:

Related News

Bali has introduced one of its most significant foreign investment policy changes in recent years by restricting new foreign direct investment (PMA) licences across 18 business sectors. The move, which has already taken effect through Indonesia’s Online Single Submission (OSS) system, is intended to strengthen the island’s micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) while ensuring […]

Effective 9 July 2026, the Indonesian Government officially expanded its Visa-Free Visit (Bebas Visa Kunjungan/BVK) programme through Minister of Immigration and Corrections Regulation No. 10 of 2026. The move is expected to support tourism, encourage investment, and strengthen international ties while maintaining Indonesia’s selective immigration policy. If you’re planning a trip to Indonesia—or wondering whether […]

You arrived in Bali for “just a holiday.” A few weeks later, you’re filming sunrise at Mount Batur, reviewing cafés in Canggu, collaborating with beach clubs, and posting reels that suddenly start reaching hundreds of thousands of people. Sound familiar? Indonesia has quietly become one of the world’s biggest playgrounds for content creators. From travel […]

If you’re looking for the best expat events in July 2026, Jakarta has plenty to offer. Whether you’re hoping to expand your professional network, make new friends, enjoy a lively social night, or even meet someone special, Social Expat has a packed calendar of exciting gatherings throughout the month. From business networking and trivia nights […]

Expat Events

Indonesia Visas

Expat Event

Social Networking
150,000
SKYE Rooftop & Lounge
Social Networking
150,000
PESTO, Senayan City
Social Networking
150,000
The Platform, Artotel HUB Simpang Temu

Indonesia Guide

Just For Fun

Write For Us

Exclusive Promotions

Event Gallery