Indonesia Dismantles Baby Trafficking Ring to Singapore

Indonesian authorities have dismantled a baby trafficking syndicate, arresting 12 suspects accused of smuggling at least 14 infants under one year old to Singapore for adoption. The operation, active since 2023, recruited babies from mothers unwilling or unable to care for them and transported them from West Java to Pontianak before smuggling them to Singapore. Syndicate members had specific roles, such as sourcing infants and preparing documentation, with babies reportedly sold for between $676 and $983. The case came to light after a parent reported a kidnapping when they did not receive an agreed payment. Authorities have rescued six babies so far and are continuing to investigate the broader network. In a separate incident in India, police rescued 17 children from traffickers at Muzaffarpur railway station, reflecting ongoing regional efforts against child trafficking.