Indonesian court jails 19 people over baby trafficking ring linked to Singapore

21 July 2026 , 18:33

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Indonesian court jails 19 people over baby trafficking ring linked to Singapore

An Indonesian court sentenced 19 people to prison on Tuesday for trafficking babies across the country and into Singapore, according to state news agency Antara. 

The ringleader, 70-year-old Lie Siu Luan, received a seven-year sentence after the court found her guilty of committing crimes “for the purpose of exploitation,” said presiding judge Gatot Ardian Agustriono, The Straits Times reported. The court sentenced the remaining 18 defendants to prison terms ranging from three to six years.

Prosecutors allege that the ring sold at least 34 babies between 2023 and 2025, with an estimated 12 infants trafficked to Singapore for 200 million to 250 million rupiah ($14,350 to $17,940) each.

Twelve of the defendants were arrested a year ago when police busted the trafficking ring, which allegedly began operating in 2023. Six babies, all between two and three months old, were rescued during the operation.

Thomas Brown

Head of Investigations