“It is common knowledge that the majority of businesses in Bali are owned by foreigners… because almost all of the foreigners’ capital does not reach IDR10 billion [$960,000] as stipulated in [law],” the lawyers claim.
“So to get around this, the company is registered with Indonesian citizens, namely [Sari] and [Nitha]. In some cases, including at Flame Spa, the easiest and safest way to keep their business under control … is to marry Indonesian women, especially Balinese, then the business is made in the name of his wife.”
Worried they would lose their money after the split, two of Olarenshaw’s partners, Adam John Dalby and Gregory Campbell Hinchliffe, contacted Nitha directly.
Flame was raided on September 2 by the Bali Police Criminal Investigation Directorate.
Nitha’s lawyers claim the police officers “forced the staff to turn off CCTV. When the staff refused to do so, the officers then pointed the camera upwards to prevent the camera from capturing the officers’ faces”.
The lawyers claimed the business was set up by Olarenshaw and Nitha in 2019. Needing more capital, Olarenshaw later brought in Dalby, Hinchliffe and his brother, Darren Olarenshaw.
Loading
None of the Australians were in court on Monday and have not had an opportunity to defend themselves. This masthead has attempted to send the translated allegations to both Olarenshaw and Hinchliffe.
This masthead does not suggest any of the people associated with the operations of the business were aware of any illegal activity allegedly happening inside. None of the men have been charged by the police and are not accused of any crime.
Speaking outside court, the lawyer for Bali police said: “Investigators followed procedure [and] followed the law.”
