The ex-wife of an Australian man who died in an Indonesian immigration detention cell has publicly asked for forgiveness for him from his former customers, many of whom allege they were wronged by his car restoration business. Cameron Hughes, 39, was found unresponsive in the bathroom of his cell at the Ngurah Rai Immigration Office on July 10, where he was being held for visa violations.

Balinese police declared his death a suicide following an autopsy. His ex-wife, Indah, told immigration officials he was breaching his visa after their marriage ended in 2024. The couple shared an eight-year-old son.

Hughes had lived in Bali for 15 years and ran a car restoration business, Holden Resto Bali, which reportedly ceased operations in December. Following his death, customers voiced anger online, with many claiming to have received unfinished, unroadworthy, or damaged vehicles. Some estimate losses in the hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Indah reportedly posted on Facebook, asking Hughes' customers to "find it in (their) hearts to forgive him" and to "forgive him for any mistakes, hurt, or wrongs he may have caused." A Facebook page has been created for customers to share their experiences, and another group aims to help clients recover vehicles or parts.

Although Hughes reportedly denied scamming customers, he is said to have sent a message two days before his death apologizing for his "stupid behaviour in recent times," attributing it to stress and alcohol. A draft statement purportedly written by Hughes six days before his death defended his work, denying allegations of deliberate poor quality. He cited significant personal and business stress, hospitalization for ulcers and anemia, and acknowledged information from former staff suggesting work was intentionally delayed or substandard.

He also mentioned various personal issues that contributed to delays, including a broken nose, incorrect medication, kidney stones, and ulcers.

Hughes also expressed a desire to be remembered in a social media post as a "father and husband that loved his son and wife unconditionally" and as someone who believed in second chances. He described himself as self-made, having built a comfortable life from nothing despite life's challenges.

Indonesian authorities began investigating Hughes after he obtained a new passport with only a tourist visa. He had previously held a permanent residency permit (KITAP) while married, but it was voided upon his divorce. His tourist visa had expired, and he had overstayed by 98 days, while also operating a business illegally on a visitor visa. His ex-wife's report to immigration led to his arrest.

Ngurah Rai Immigration Office Head, Bugie Kurniawan, confirmed that Hughes' ex-wife, identified as NKIY, filed the report, stating he was "engaging in activities that were not in accordance with the conditions of his stay permit." Officials stated that Hughes, after repeatedly failing to arrange his return to Australia, was apprehended at his home. His visa was valid until April 4, 2026, but his overstay and business activity led to his detention and impending deportation, which would have resulted in a re-entry ban.

Daily Mail has contacted Hughes' widow for comment. Hughes and his ex-wife reportedly divorced in 2024, and she informed authorities about his visa status in 2025. If you or someone you know needs support, Lifeline can be contacted 24/7 at 13 11 14, and Beyond Blue at 1300 22 4636.