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View all search resultsNine arrested in North Sumatra over alleged baby trafficking
Authorities said the babies were trafficked when they were only days old, with younger infants commanding higher prices.
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Stock illustration of a baby (Courtesy of/Shutterstock)
P
olice in Medan, North Sumatra, have arrested nine people and are searching for three others over their alleged involvement in a baby trafficking ring operating through illegal adoption schemes on social media.
Medan Police chief Sr. Comr. Jean Calvijn Simanjuntak said the suspects, identified only as HD, HT, J, BS, HR, VL, N, K and S, had sold at least two babies for between Rp 9 million (US$530) and Rp 25 million each. The group was preparing to sell a third baby when police made the arrest.
“The suspects marketed babies through Facebook groups and TikTok. The syndicate operated with a well-organized structure,” Jean said at a recent press conference.
Police said the infants were sold to buyers in several cities across North Sumatra, as well as to buyers in Pekanbaru in Riau, and Aceh.
"Investigators are continuing to develop the case and are pursuing three additional suspects, identified only as X, Y and Z, who are believed to be members of the trafficking network," Jean added.
Read also: Police arrest two Yogyakarta midwives on child trafficking charges
Police said the case came to light following a tip-off from neighbors who reported suspicious activity at a rented house on Jl. Pintu Air IV in Medan Johor district. Residents told authorities that a number of pregnant women were frequently seen entering and leaving the house.
