Bali's Ngurah Rai Airport Deports Ethiopian National Wanted by Interpol
Ngurah Rai Immigration Office in Bali has repatriated a 29-year-old Ethiopian national who was subject to an Interpol Red Notice for fraud. The individual was flagged during immigration checks on September 6 and deported under Interpol escort on September 15.
The Ngurah Rai Class I Special Immigration Office (TPI) in Bali has announced the repatriation of an Ethiopian national identified by the initials SMY, 29, who was subject to an Interpol Red Notice in connection with a fraud case.
According to Immigration Office Head Muhamad Novyandri, SMY was first flagged upon arrival at I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport on a Scoot Tigerair flight on September 6, 2026. During immigration inspection, officers discovered that his name matched an entry on the Interpol Red Notice list under a fraud offense code.
Following coordination with NCB Interpol Indonesia, a recommendation to deny SMY entry into Indonesian territory was issued immediately. Per the Interpol Individual Report, SMY had been wanted since a notification issued on April 9, 2026, in relation to a fraud case in Ethiopia involving losses of approximately ETB 46.4 million (roughly Rp5 billion, or US$273,000).
As SMY initially refused to return to Ethiopia, NCB Interpol Indonesia officers provided direct escort for his repatriation. He was held in a holding room at the airport while the process was arranged. On September 15, 2026, he was flown via Etihad Airways from Denpasar to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, through Abu Dhabi, under direct Interpol escort.
Novyandri stated that his office will continue strengthening cooperation with the National Police's International Relations Division, NCB Interpol Indonesia, and other relevant agencies to maintain the airport as a secure entry and exit point.
Things to Consider
This case does not pose a direct threat to ordinary tourists or residents, but it highlights the strict monitoring in place at Bali's immigration checkpoints for internationally wanted individuals. Travelers should ensure their passport and visa records are in order before arrival and be prepared to promptly present any documents requested during immigration screening. Those with unresolved legal matters abroad should consult a lawyer or their embassy before attempting entry.
Source: ANTARA