Khasan Askhabov, a Russian MMA fighter, was arrested on January 30, 2025, at Ngurah Rai International Airport in Bali, Indonesia, as he was preparing to fly to Dubai. He is suspected of being part of a gang involved in the kidnapping and extortion of cryptocurrency from Ukrainian businessman Igor Ermakov.
The incident reportedly took place on December 15, 2024, near South Kuta when Ermakov was traveling with his driver. His vehicle was ambushed by multiple perpetrators who blocked the car with two others, forcing him out of the vehicle at gunpoint. Eyewitness accounts describe the assailants as heavily armed and attacking both Ermakov and his driver.
Ermakov detailed the harrowing encounter, stating, "This case indicates the presence of organized crime targeting individuals owning digital assets." He was blindfolded, handcuffed, and taken to a villa, where the offenders demanded access to his cryptocurrency accounts. They managed to extort approximately $215,000 from him using physical threats.
Bali police confirmed Askhabov's involvement, mentioning he was the first suspect to be apprehended among the gang of nine. Police spokesperson Kombes Pol Ariasandi stated, "Yes, this is correct—one of the nine suspects has been detained. We are currently investigating to confirm his criminal involvement," adding, "We take this case very seriously, and we hope it will be resolved as soon as possible." This response reflects Bali's intensified focus on international criminal activities, particularly those involving digital currency.
This isn’t the first time Askhabov has faced serious allegations. He was previously arrested in Thailand for his involvement with another kidnapping case, where he and his brother were accused of abducting and torturing an Italian national. Although they were eventually released, these past incidents raise questions about Askhabov's conduct and involvement with criminal activities.
Investigators are currently searching for the eight remaining suspects who allegedly assisted Askhabov during Ermakov's kidnapping. The case highlights growing concerns over organized crime syndicates preying on those dealing with cryptocurrency. Experts warn this trend could escalate, especially as more individuals turn to digital currencies. The police are promising rigorous efforts to track down any remaining perpetrators and resolve the case thoroughly.
The publicity surrounding this scenario has also captured the attention of the MMA community, where discussions about athlete conduct and accountability are more pronounced than ever. Askhabov, who is known for his competitive prowess, has had a checkered past with recent fights dating back to September 2020, creating stark contrasts between his athletic career and legal challenges.
This shocking incident raises larger questions about the safety of international travelers and those conducting business overseas, particularly with the rising prevalence of cryptocurrency. With Bali being known as both a tourist destination and growing crypto hub, the intersection of crime and technology is under scrutiny as locals grapple with the harsh realities of organized crime.
Askhabov’s sportsmanship is now overshadowed by criminal allegations, and the future remains uncertain for this once-promising athlete who has garnered attention beyond the ring. The authorities continue to investigate, and the potential for more arrests looms over this developing story.