Operating under the guise of an adoption program but actually trafficking babies through the TikTok social media platform, nine individuals have been arrested by the police in Medan, Indonesia.
According to a report from CNN Indonesia, Medan Police Chief Kalviqin stated that the group is believed to have trafficked at least two babies, with each baby being sold for between 9 million Indonesian rupiah (about 2,151 ringgit) and 25 million Indonesian rupiah (about 5,976 ringgit).
He said these babies were sold to people from various cities in North Sumatra, including Riau and Aceh.
"The investigation has also uncovered a larger cross-regional network of buyers."
He continued to say that the investigation is still ongoing and police are pursuing three more suspects involved in this criminal network.
He revealed that the case was uncovered after police received tips from the public, with local residents reporting suspicious activities at a rented house in Medan Johor District.
"Eyewitnesses revealed that over a period of time, several pregnant women frequently entered and exited the house, which aroused suspicion."
Kalviqin noted that when police raided the house, there was a woman waiting to give birth.
"The woman agreed to sell her newborn baby to the group for 9 million rupiah, after which the baby would be resold to buyers for 20 million rupiah."
"The woman, facing severe financial pressure, agreed to sell her baby; she planned to use the money to pay for paperwork required to work in Malaysia."
He revealed that these babies were sold at high prices just a few days after birth.
He said the group usually targets pregnant women in difficult living situations, including those without stable jobs or lacking family support.
He added that police will continue their in-depth investigation to dismantle the baby-trafficking network completely, including tracing the buyers and any professionals involved.