Archive · 22 Jul 2026
19 Sentenced in Indonesian Baby-Smuggling Racket
In Indonesia, 19 people were sentenced to prison for their roles in a baby-smuggling operation.
They trafficked babies from West Java to Singapore, where each baby was sold for a lot of money.
The ringleader, Lie Siu Luan, got the longest sentence of seven years.
The babies were moved through several cities before being taken to Singapore.
Some babies are still missing, and the people involved were sentenced to different lengths of time in prison.
19 people were sentenced in Indonesia for their involvement in a baby-smuggling racket.
The operation trafficked at least 34 babies to Singapore for up to 18,000 Singapore dollars each.
The babies were moved from West Java to Depok city, then to Pontianak, before being taken to Singapore.
12 babies are still believed to be in Singapore after being trafficked.
Lie Siu Luan, the ringleader, received the harshest sentence of seven years in prison.
- Who
- 19 individuals, including Lie Siu Luan (ringleader), Astri Fitrinika, Lai Siu Ha, Djaka Hamdani Hutabarat, and Elin Marlina
- What
- A baby-smuggling racket that trafficked infants to Singapore
- When
- Sentencing occurred on July 22
- Where
- Indonesia, with operations spanning West Java, Depok city, Pontianak, and Singapore
- Why
- To traffic infants for financial gain, with each baby sold for up to 18,000 Singapore dollars
Harsh Sentencing Advocates
Human Rights Advocates
Severity of Sentences
Harsh Sentencing Advocates
The sentences handed down are appropriate given the severity of the crime and the need to deter future trafficking.
Human Rights Advocates
The sentences are excessively harsh and do not consider the socio-economic factors that may have driven some individuals to participate in the trafficking network.
- Date of Sentencing
- July 22
- Number of Defendants
- 19
- Sentences Ranged From
- 3 years and 4 months to 7 years
- Estimated Babies Trafficked
- 34
- Estimated Babies Still Missing
- 12
- Amount Paid per Baby
- 18,000 Singapore dollars (approximately $14,000)
- Ringleader
- Lie Siu Luan (also known as Popo)
- Ringleader's Sentence
- 7 years