In a significant operation, Indonesian police have arrested 13 suspects linked to an international baby trafficking network that allegedly sold 25 infants to buyers in Singapore since 2023. The investigation revealed that some babies were even reserved while still in the womb, leading to serious concerns over the exploitation of vulnerable parents and expectant mothers.
Major Baby Trafficking Ring Uncovered in Indonesia, 25 Infants Sold to Singapore Buyers
Major Baby Trafficking Ring Uncovered in Indonesia, 25 Infants Sold to Singapore Buyers
Indonesian authorities dismantle a baby trafficking syndicate, rescuing six infants and revealing disturbing tactics, including pre-birth reservations.
In a shocking discovery, Indonesian police have exposed an international baby trafficking ring, claiming it has sold at least 25 infants to buyers in Singapore since the beginning of 2023. Following recent operations in the cities of Pontianak and Tangerang, authorities have arrested 13 individuals connected to the syndicate and successfully rescued six infants who were on the verge of being trafficked, all approximately one year old.
According to Surawan, the director of general criminal investigations for West Java Police, the infants were initially kept in Pontianak, where their immigration documents were prepared for smooth transit to Singapore. He stated that the network targeted parents, including expectant mothers, who were unwilling to keep their child. The syndicate reportedly used social media platforms like Facebook to establish initial contact with potential birth mothers, later switching to more secure messaging apps like WhatsApp.
"Some babies were even reserved while still in the womb," Surawan disclosed, elaborating on the syndicate's disturbing practices. Once born, costs for delivery were covered, and compensation was paid to the mothers before the babies were taken away.
The organized group comprised various roles, including recruiters who sourced the infants, caretakers, and individuals who forged legal documents like family cards and passports. After being taken from their biological mothers, babies were cared for by accomplices for two to three months until they were sent to Jakarta and then Pontianak for documentation purposes. The infants were sold for sums ranging from 11 million to 16 million Indonesian rupiah (approximately $673 to $1,067).
Police revealed that at least 12 male and 13 female babies had been sold both domestically and to foreign buyers, with most originating from different districts in West Java. Authorities expressed their priority to locate the adopters in Singapore and cross-check data concerning the departed infants.
Surawan further noted that the infants had likely acquired new nationalities, complicating their recovery, as authorities were still searching for their travel documents. He asserted that the babies were acquired through mutual agreements with their parents; none were reported as having been kidnapped. However, parents seeking help may have done so out of financial desperation. Those found to have engaged in the sale can face severe charges for child protection crimes and human trafficking.
Collaboration is underway with Interpol and Singaporean authorities to track down any remaining syndicate members and buyers currently outside Indonesia. Child trafficking experts, including Ai Rahmayanti, a commissioner of the Indonesian Child Protection Commission (KPAI), highlighted that traffickers often exploit women in dire situations, such as those encountering unplanned pregnancies due to violence or abandonment.
The illegal adoption landscape in Indonesia remains concerning, as KPAI has documented a steady rise in cases related to child trafficking. Reports indicated a troubling increase from 11 cases in 2020 to 59 in 2023, showcasing the urgent need for preventive measures against such trafficking networks. Despite no concrete statistics on the number of babies sold in Indonesia, this incident reflects a broader trend of exploitation disguised as charitable acts.
According to Surawan, the director of general criminal investigations for West Java Police, the infants were initially kept in Pontianak, where their immigration documents were prepared for smooth transit to Singapore. He stated that the network targeted parents, including expectant mothers, who were unwilling to keep their child. The syndicate reportedly used social media platforms like Facebook to establish initial contact with potential birth mothers, later switching to more secure messaging apps like WhatsApp.
"Some babies were even reserved while still in the womb," Surawan disclosed, elaborating on the syndicate's disturbing practices. Once born, costs for delivery were covered, and compensation was paid to the mothers before the babies were taken away.
The organized group comprised various roles, including recruiters who sourced the infants, caretakers, and individuals who forged legal documents like family cards and passports. After being taken from their biological mothers, babies were cared for by accomplices for two to three months until they were sent to Jakarta and then Pontianak for documentation purposes. The infants were sold for sums ranging from 11 million to 16 million Indonesian rupiah (approximately $673 to $1,067).
Police revealed that at least 12 male and 13 female babies had been sold both domestically and to foreign buyers, with most originating from different districts in West Java. Authorities expressed their priority to locate the adopters in Singapore and cross-check data concerning the departed infants.
Surawan further noted that the infants had likely acquired new nationalities, complicating their recovery, as authorities were still searching for their travel documents. He asserted that the babies were acquired through mutual agreements with their parents; none were reported as having been kidnapped. However, parents seeking help may have done so out of financial desperation. Those found to have engaged in the sale can face severe charges for child protection crimes and human trafficking.
Collaboration is underway with Interpol and Singaporean authorities to track down any remaining syndicate members and buyers currently outside Indonesia. Child trafficking experts, including Ai Rahmayanti, a commissioner of the Indonesian Child Protection Commission (KPAI), highlighted that traffickers often exploit women in dire situations, such as those encountering unplanned pregnancies due to violence or abandonment.
The illegal adoption landscape in Indonesia remains concerning, as KPAI has documented a steady rise in cases related to child trafficking. Reports indicated a troubling increase from 11 cases in 2020 to 59 in 2023, showcasing the urgent need for preventive measures against such trafficking networks. Despite no concrete statistics on the number of babies sold in Indonesia, this incident reflects a broader trend of exploitation disguised as charitable acts.
