Two of the four prisoners who escaped from Bali’s Kerobokan jail on Monday have been arrested, according to reports.
Bulgarian Dimitar Nikolov Iliev, who was serving seven years for ATM skimming activities and Indian Sayed Mohammed Said, who was jailed for 14 years on drug smuggling charges, were located at a luxury hotel in Dili, the capital of East Timor.
Australian man Shaun Edward Davidson, who had just two months and 15 days left to go of his one year jail sentence for using another’s man passport, is yet to be located.
Malaysian man Tee Kok King, who was serving seven-and-a-half years for drug offences, also remains at large.
Chief superintendent Henrique da Costa said the men had been apprehended at the Novo Turismo Resort and Spa, a four and a half star hotel that boasts “pool view rooms” and “presidential suites.”
He added that the men were arrested for illegally entering East Timor without proper documentation.
“We are holding them for that. We are questioning them now,” he said.
“We confirm that two men we arrested are the two escapees based on the photos of the men and their names.”
It’s alleged the fugitives reached the tiny nation by boat after crawling to freedom through a 15-metre-long mud filled tunnel.
A head torch, which was still turned on, was discovered in the tunnel which connected the notorious prison to the outside world.
Authorities previously suggested the escapees might have drowned in the 40cm-diameter tunnel.
The Corrections chief of the Bali Law and Human Rights Ministry, Surung Pasaribu said they are checking the tunnel, but are also investigating whether the men had escaped through any jail gates or used a garbage truck.
“There is no sign of them. Only God knows. Hopefully they are fine,” Mr Pasaribu said.
With roughly ten weeks left of Mr Davidson’s sentence, the escape has shocked many.
Some are suggesting he escaped to avoid returning to Australia, where a warrant still stands for his arrest after being charged with possession of drugs with intent to sell or supply.
More as we get it.
