Three Russian nationals have reportedly been arrested in Bali after they were found busking at a traditional market on Monday.
The Russians had set up a tent and near Pasar Beringkit in Mengwi and had apparently been sleeping there since Sunday, attracting much attention from local residents as the musical trio played their instruments and sang, hopeful for handouts.
Badung Police rounded up the three on Monday at 10 am after residents reported the Russians to the police, says Badung Municipal Police Chief I Ketut Martha.
“After we checked whether (the reports) were true, they were singing in the Beringkit Market area, so we immediately acted, taking them to the Immigration Office for further processing,” Martha said, as quoted by Tribun Bali.
The Russians told police during questioning that they had indeed set up a tent and were sleeping near the pasar and had plans to leave for KL on Feb. 7, according to Martha.
While all three Russians had valid passports, Martha said he found it very odd that the three were living in the street and busking in a foreign country in a pasar, adding that they were creating a public disturbance—so we’re thinking perhaps their music wasn’t so great.
Chief of Bali Municipal Police Made Sukadana confirmed the arrest of the three Russians to local media, stating that the three had been turned over to Immigration.
“We asked for their passports, their visas are for traveling, so working as musicians is in violation of the law,” Sukadana said.
Acting head of Denpasar Immigration Enforcement Indra Noble told local media that the Russians will be deported.
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