Hey, Bali lovers. Pull up a chair. We’ve got a tale that sounds like a bedtime story written by someone who drank too much arak. It’s a stark reminder that the dream of paradise can sometimes bite back, especially when Bali investment scams come into play.
This one stars a Russian influencer named Sergeii Domogatsky, lovingly nicknamed “Mr. Terimakasih” — Mr. Thank You — the man who allegedly thanked investors, pocketed their cash, and promptly disappeared into the Bali sunset. Now he’s facing 29 angry international investors and a very serious chat with the Bali Police.
Spoiler: his “thank you” didn’t age well.
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The Chronicles of a Modern Bali Investment Scam
So, what actually went down? Mr. Terimakasih pitched a string of luxury villa projects in Tabanan, Klungkung, and Bangli — the type of properties that fill Instagram moodboards and long-stay expat dreams. But instead of delivering villas, he delivered a masterclass in the classic proyek bodong, a textbook example of Bali investment scams that locals have sadly seen before.
Here’s where the plot split from reality:
1. The Ghost Permits
Authorities uncovered that many of these projects were running on vapor. Spatial planning approvals? Missing. Environmental permits? Inconsistent. Building permits? Uploaded with mismatched company details. In Tabanan, the “project site” was literally empty land dressed up as a future paradise—a common hallmark of these Bali investment scams.
2. The Crypto Conundrum
Payments were done exclusively through crypto. Sure, modern — but also fantastic for confusing money trails. Investigators from the Cyber Directorate are now working with exchanges and the Financial Intelligence Unit to determine whether this particular Bali investment scam evolves into a money laundering case.
3. The Big Number
Thirty reports. Twenty-nine foreign victims. Total losses around Rp 80 billion — more than USD $5 million. This is now one of the largest cross-border Bali investment scams under investigation in 2025.
The projects are sealed. All business activities frozen. And Mr. Terimakasih might soon enjoy accommodation sponsored by the state. Charges range from fraud and embezzlement to misleading digital information under Indonesia’s ITE Law.
So You Want to Invest in Bali? Let’s Not Repeat This Story
This case isn’t just gossip. It’s a neon warning sign for anyone eyeing Bali’s booming property scene. Bali is an incredible place to invest — but the island also attracts opportunists who weave sophisticated Bali investment scams that prey on people who move too fast or trust too easily.
Whether you’re dreaming of a villa, rental unit, wellness resort, or just buying land, here’s how to avoid becoming the next character in a story about Bali investment scams.
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Your Bali Investment Checklist: How to Not Get “Mr. Thank You-ed”
1. Fall in Love with the Documents, Not the Rendering
Before swooning over 3D visuals, get obsessed with the paperwork. The big three permits you must verify:
- Persetujuan Pemanfaatan Ruang (Spatial Planning Approval)
- Persetujuan Lingkungan (Environmental Permit)
- IMB / PBG (Building Permit)
Pro tip: Don’t trust screenshots. Bring these documents to DPMPTSP for verification. A legit developer will never object; resistance is a classic sign of potential Bali investment scams.
2. Build Your “Legal Squad”
Indonesian property law is a labyrinth. Hire a reputable notary and a local legal consultant. They can verify PMA company credentials, land certificates, and whether the project is even allowed in that zoning.
Skipping this step is how most victims of Bali investment scams end up on police reports.
3. Check the Actual Land — With Your Own Feet
If they claim “25% progress,” go see if the wall is even 2.5% built. Talk to locals. Ask around. In the Mr. Terimakasih case, many promised “ongoing projects” were literally just grass—the ultimate reality check for avoiding Bali investment scams.
4. Don’t Fall for Crypto-Only Deals
Crypto is fine as an asset — not as the only payment method for a multimillion-rupiah property. Reputable developers always offer traceable bank transfers. If they push crypto-only, treat it as a red flag for Bali investment scams waving in the breeze.
5. Google Like a Detective
Search the developer’s name. Add “complaint,” “scam,” “fraud,” or “problem.” Check Telegram groups, Facebook communities, review sites, and expat forums. Glossy websites and curated Instagram feeds don’t count as credibility and won’t reveal a history of Bali investment scams.
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FAQ: Investing in Bali Property Without Getting Scammed
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Bali Is a Great Place to Invest — Just Don’t Skip the Homework
This island thrives on trust and good relationships. The best defense against Bali investment scams is simple: be cautious, ask the uncomfortable questions, and treat due diligence the way you treat sunscreen: apply generously and reapply often.
Stay smart. Stay skeptical. And may your Bali investment be a real villa, not a costly lesson in Bali investment scams.
“In Bali, your best investment isn’t the plot of land you buy, but the trust you build with the people who help you buy it right.”
— Giostanovlatto, Founder of Hey Bali
Hey Bali — keeping it real, one investment at a time.
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About the Author
Sent by the Bali gods to give you the best recommendations.
Gets lost on the roads daily, but never lost in giving good advice.
– The Hey Bali Editorial Team 🏝️
We’re not experts, we’re your friends who’ve probably already been there.
