A series of suspects in a baby trafficking syndicate from Indonesia to Singapore.

Bandung –

Police have arrested another suspect in a baby trafficking case to Singapore. The arrested individual is alleged to be the mastermind behind a baby-selling syndicate in Indonesia.

Here are the facts:

1. The Main Suspect

The arrested suspect is Lie Siu Luan (69), also known as Lily, Popo, or Ai. She is believed to be the main perpetrator in trafficking babies to Singapore. Lily was arrested after previously being listed as a wanted person.

The suspect was apprehended by the West Java Regional Police’s Criminal Investigation Directorate. The Director confirmed the arrest.

“Correct. We have arrested her,” said the Director when contacted.

2. Arrested at the Airport

The Director stated that Lily was arrested at Soekarno-Hatta Airport upon her return to Jakarta.

“(She was arrested) at Soekarno-Hatta Airport while returning to Jakarta,” the Director said.

3. Taken to Bandung

Police have not yet detailed the suspect’s role. Currently, the suspect has been taken to Bandung.

“She was immediately taken to Bandung,” he concluded.

4. How the Case Unfolded

The case came to light after parents reported a transaction with a suspect named Astri Fitrinika, a resident of Margahayu, Bandung Regency. It was revealed that babies were ordered while still in the womb.

“Suspect AF acted as a recruiter for this baby network, contacting parents who advertised their unborn babies on Facebook and arranging meetings. Suspect AF claimed the babies would be adopted by her and her husband,” explained the West Java Police spokesperson.

5. 25 Babies Recruited

The spokesperson stated that the suspects had recruited 25 babies to be sold to Singapore. Before being sold, the babies were placed in shelters.

“The suspect has been committing this crime since 2023, trafficking 25 babies. Recruitment began while the babies were still in the womb, and newborns were handed over to caretakers,” he said.

6. Millions in Profit

The caretakers involved in the case are identified as Mariyana (35), Yenti (35), Yeni (45), and Wiwit (currently wanted). The syndicate reportedly earned between Rp10-16 million per baby, distributed according to roles.

“After receiving the babies, caretakers were paid Rp2.5 million, with an additional Rp1 million for baby expenses. After 2-3 months, the babies were handed over based on suspect L’s (Lie Siu Lian) instructions,” the spokesperson explained.

7. Transported to Jakarta and Pontianak

Babies taken to Jakarta were later moved to Pontianak by Lie Siu Lian to obtain fake identity documents, birth certificates, and passports.

“The babies were cared for by several caretakers under the control of S (Siu Ha) and L. Besides forging birth certificates and passports, S also falsified family cards. A arranged fake parents and added the babies’ identities to family registrations, earning Rp4-6 million,” he said.

“The babies were then illegally adopted in Singapore,” he added.

8. Change of Nationality

The Director of Criminal Investigation stated that most of the babies had their nationalities changed.

“Regarding the babies’ statuses, most have had their nationalities altered, so we are still investigating their passports,” he said.

The Director explained that the nationality changes and administrative processes were carried out in Pontianak before the babies were sent abroad. This was evident from 15 seized family cards.

“Pontianak (Civil Registry Office). All family cards were issued in Pontianak. The 15 family cards mentioned earlier were all from Pontianak,” he said.

Soekarno-Hatta Airport

Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (CGK), located in Jakarta, Indonesia, is the country’s busiest airport and serves as a major transportation hub in Southeast Asia. Named after Indonesia’s first president, Sukarno, and vice president, Mohammad Hatta, the airport opened in 1985 to replace the overcapacity Kemayoran Airport. It is known for its distinctive traditional Javanese architecture and extensive facilities, handling millions of passengers annually.

Bandung

Bandung, the capital of West Java, Indonesia, is a vibrant city known for its cool climate, colonial architecture, and thriving arts and culinary scenes. Established by the Dutch in the early 19th century, it became a key cultural and educational hub, hosting the historic 1955 Asia-Africa Conference, which promoted decolonization and solidarity among developing nations. Today, Bandung is a popular destination for its scenic highland views, creative street fashion, and nostalgic charm.

Jakarta

Jakarta, the capital city of Indonesia, is a bustling metropolis with a rich history dating back to the 4th century as the Hindu-Buddhist port of Sunda Kelapa. It later became a major trading hub under Dutch colonial rule in the 17th century, known as Batavia, before gaining its current name after Indonesia’s independence in 1945. Today, Jakarta blends modern skyscrapers with historic landmarks like the Old Town (Kota Tua) and the National Monument (Monas), reflecting its diverse cultural heritage.

Margahayu

Margahayu is a district located in Bandung Regency, West Java, Indonesia, known for its scenic landscapes and cultural significance. The name “Margahayu” translates to “path of happiness” or “beautiful path” in Sundanese, reflecting its reputation as a peaceful and picturesque area. Historically, it has developed as a residential and agricultural region, with growing urbanization while maintaining its natural charm.

Pontianak

Pontianak is the capital of Indonesia’s West Kalimantan province, located on the island of Borneo. Founded in 1771 by Syarif Abdurrahman Alkadrie, a Malay sultan of Arab descent, it lies along the equator at the confluence of the Kapuas and Landak rivers. The city is known for its multicultural heritage, vibrant waterways, and historical landmarks like the Kadriah Palace, reflecting its past as a Malay sultanate and a hub of trade.

Singapore

Singapore is a vibrant city-state in Southeast Asia, known for its modern skyline, multicultural heritage, and bustling port. Founded as a British trading post in 1819 by Sir Stamford Raffles, it gained independence in 1965 and rapidly developed into a global financial hub. Today, it blends diverse cultures, lush green spaces, and iconic landmarks like Marina Bay Sands and Gardens by the Bay.

West Java Regional Police

The **West Java Regional Police** (Polda Jawa Barat) is a law enforcement agency responsible for maintaining security and order in West Java, Indonesia. Established as part of the Indonesian National Police (Polri), it plays a key role in crime prevention, investigation, and community policing in one of the country’s most populous provinces. The force has evolved alongside Indonesia’s modern policing system, adapting to regional challenges while upholding national law enforcement standards.

Civil Registry Office

A Civil Registry Office is a government facility responsible for recording vital events such as births, marriages, and deaths. Historically, these offices emerged in the 19th century as governments began systematizing civil records separate from religious institutions. Today, they play a key role in legal documentation, identity verification, and population statistics.