In a disturbing case of child trafficking, a 36-year-old man in Indonesia has been arrested for allegedly selling his 11-month-old baby on Facebook to finance his online gambling addiction.
Identified only by his initials RA, the father reportedly received 15 million Indonesian Rupiah (approximately £730) for the child, which he then funneled into his gambling accounts.
The shocking incident came to light when the child’s mother returned to their home in Tangerang, West Jakarta, only to discover that her baby was missing.
According to Tangerang City Metro Police Chief Zain Dwi Nugroho, the mother confronted RA, demanding to know the whereabouts of their child.
After persistent questioning, he confessed to selling the baby, leading her to report the situation to the Tangerang City Police Department.
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During police interrogation, RA admitted to selling his child in a desperate attempt to pay off his gambling debts.
Once he received the money, he impulsively spent it on online gambling rather than seeking help for his financial issues.
The buyers, identified only as HK and MO, were also arrested for their suspected roles in a larger human trafficking network.
Authorities are investigating their involvement, although specific details about the broader network remain undisclosed.
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The Indonesian Child Protection Commission has condemned the incident, with Chief Ai Maryati expressing grave concern over the father’s actions.
“It is worrying that RA is using his financial situation to engage in activities that are being eradicated by the state,” she stated.
“Selling children is a violation of basic human rights.”
This case follows a recent crackdown on child trafficking in Indonesia, where police dismantled a baby trafficking ring in Depok, a city south of Jakarta.
Authorities reported that children were being advertised on social media platforms for prices ranging from 10 million to 15 million Rupiah (£490 to £740) and were subsequently re-sold in Bali for up to 45 million Rupiah (£2,195).
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