extortion

Police Extortion in Bali
Police Extortion in Bali 629 357 Greg Ellifritz

Last week I wrote about a Nigerian police extortion effort targeting gay folks.  In this week’s installment of police corruption news, here is a video of a couple traffic officers extorting a bribe from a Japanese tourist in Bali.

 

Police Caught On Video Extorting Tourist In Bali

 

The tourist’s motorcycle headlight didn’t work (during a daytime ride).  The fine for the offense is the US equivalent of $7.  The tourist paid a $60 bribe to get out of the ticket.

 

 

If you want information about how to handle interactions like this, I have an entire chapter on the topic in my book Choose Adventure.

 

 

African Police Extortion Efforts
African Police Extortion Efforts 641 358 Greg Ellifritz

 

According to this article Nigerian Police Officers are using the pandemic as an excuse to harass the LGBTQ community, forcing them to pay their way out of trouble..

 

Nigerian Police Are Extorting People Who ‘Look Gay’

 

If you aren’t gay and vacationing in sunny Nigeria, why should you care?

 

You should care because this is the way corrupt foreign cops/soldiers extort everyone.  This month they are extorting gay folks.  They will use the same tactics next month to get bribe money from “drug users,”  foreign tourists, or people they suspect having Covid-19.  The rationale for the extortion is always something different, but the net effects are the same.

Take some time to read this story and come up with a plan to handle similar situations.

 

Would you get on the bus like these folks did?

 

Would you unlock your phone?

 

Would you pay the $200 bribe?

 

Have you considered that your personal appearance could make you the target of corrupt police officers?

 

You should think about all these issues before your next international trip.