Russian Influencer’s Bali Snatching Ordeal Goes Viral, Prompting Safety Concerns in Canggu

CANGUU, Bali – An attempted bag snatching in the bustling tourist district of Canggu has transformed into an international public relations challenge for Bali after the victim was identified as Arkusha, a prominent Russian-Belarusian singer and social media influencer with over 500,000 Instagram followers. Her viral video posted on December 20, 2025—now with over 4,433 likes and 490 comments—documenting her shock and tears after the incident has ignited fierce debate over tourist safety on the island.

The unsettling footage, a combination of CCTV and the influencer’s own emotional selfie, shows the brazen daylight attempt. As Arkusha walked from a gym to a salon, a motorcycle rider in clothing commonly worn by online delivery drivers pulled alongside her. In a swift motion, he grabbed for the iPhone 17 Pro Max in her hand. The snatch failed only when the brand-new phone, purchased just a week prior, fell and shattered on the pavement. The assailant fled immediately, leaving the influencer visibly traumatized.

“This is a significant event because the victim is not an anonymous tourist. She is a public figure with a substantial platform, and her raw, emotional testimony reaches a global audience instantly,” said Giostanovlatto, a Bali-based tourism observer.

“The impact on perception is immediate and damaging. It shifts the narrative from an isolated crime to a question about systemic safety in one of Bali’s most popular destinations.”

The incident underscores a growing anxiety within Bali’s expatriate and digital nomad community, for whom Canggu is a primary hub. Comments on the post reflect widespread concern, with many sharing similar stories of feeling unsafe while walking. The assailant’s tactic of disguising himself as a ride-hail driver—a ubiquitous and trusted presence—has been particularly noted as a disturbing evolution in local crime.

While the phone was not stolen, the psychological and financial toll was high. The influencer stated she no longer feels safe walking in Bali and has gathered CCTV evidence to file a police report, despite uncertainty over the process for reporting an attempted theft that resulted in property damage.

Local authorities face mounting pressure to address both the reality and perception of street-level crime. Police data indicates such opportunistic thefts tend to increase in dense tourist corridors during peak seasons. This very public case, involving a high-profile victim, tests the efficacy of community policing and preventive measures in areas struggling with rapid, tourism-driven urbanization.

For Bali, where tourism is the economic lifeblood, the viral story of Arkusha’s ordeal is more than a crime blotter entry. It is a stark reminder that in the age of social media, a single traumatic experience can resonate globally, challenging the island’s carefully curated image as a serene and secure paradise. The response from officials in the coming days will be closely watched by the international community that calls Bali home.