Nineteen found guilty of trafficking babies in Indonesia and Singapore

Nineteen found guilty of trafficking babies in Indonesia and Singapore

An Indonesian court has convicted 19 people for their roles in a baby-smuggling syndicate that trafficked dozens of infants across borders for illegal adoption. On Tuesday, July 21, 2026, the Bandung District Court in West Java handed down prison sentences to the group, which consisted of 18 women and one man.

The ringleader, 70-year-old Lie Siu Luan — also known by the aliases Lily and Popo — received a seven-year prison sentence. This was lower than the 10 years demanded by prosecutors. Judge Gatot Ardian Agustriono, who headed the three-judge panel, ruled that Lie was legally proven guilty of recruiting, harbouring, sending, transferring, or receiving persons for the purpose of exploiting said person within Indonesia.

According to prosecutors, Lie coordinated the recruitment of infants, arranged for their overseas transport, and oversaw the preparation of forged adoption documents. Prosecutors alleged the syndicate trafficked at least 34 babies between 2023 and 2025. Lie previously told the court she had sent at least 12 babies to Singapore.

Syndicate Operations and Sentencing

The network utilized various roles to facilitate the illegal adoptions. Astri Fitrinika, identified as the chief recruiter who sourced most of the babies, was sentenced to six years and seven months. Fellow recruiters Djaka Hamdani and Elin Marlina received the same sentence. Lai Su Hua, who was accused of falsifying state adoption documents, was also sentenced to six years and seven months; reports indicate Lai is appealing this decision.

Other members of the ring received varying penalties based on their involvement:

• The only man in the syndicate was sentenced to six and a half years.
• Fourteen defendants who acted as caregivers were given sentences of three years and four months.
• Two women acting as brokers were sentenced to three years and four months.

Some members of the syndicate allegedly posed as biological mothers during paperwork processes and video calls with prospective adoptive parents. Investigators believe babies were collected from various parts of the province before being taken to Depok and later to Pontianak, where they were cared for before some were flown to Singapore through Jakarta.

Financials and Disputed Claims

The financial incentives for the trafficking were substantial. Prosecutors stated that babies sent to Singapore sold for 200 to 250 million rupiah (S$18,110). An indictment noted that Lie pocketed around USS$17,000 for a baby trafficked for adoption in 2022. One of the main accused told the court she was promised a minimum of approximately $14,000 or £10,300 per baby and claimed she believed the overseas adoptions were legitimate due to assurances from a Singapore-based associate.

During the trial, which began in April, Lie and Astri admitted to most offenses but disputed the nature of the recruitment. Both maintained that the children were not abducted but were voluntarily given up by parents and were treated well without abuse.

Investigation and Broader Context

The syndicate was uncovered in 2025 after a father in West Java reported that his newborn son had been taken without his consent. This report led police to rescue several infants held by the syndicate before they could be sold. While some children were sent to Singapore, others who were rejected by clients there were sold domestically, including to parents in Jakarta.

The case highlights ongoing human trafficking issues in Indonesia, a nation of more than 17,000 islands. Previous severe cases include a 2022 incident in North Sumatra province where at least 57 people were found caged on a palm oil plantation.

Uncertain Future for Children

The legal resolution for the defendants has left the fate of the children unresolved. Investigators believe 20 babies were intended for Singapore, with 12 believed to have entered the country. Authorities have not yet decided if these children will be returned to Indonesia or remain with their adoptive families.

One father in Singapore, whose child is believed to have been trafficked by the West Java syndicate, told the BBC that his family are victims of the circumstances. He stated that his focus is on the best interests of the child and the need for a resolution to end a year of anxiety.