Father accused of selling 11-month-old baby to fund gambling arrested

Father accused of selling 11-month-old baby to fund gambling arrested

In a shocking case that has drawn widespread condemnation, police in Indonesia have arrested a man accused of selling his 11-month-old baby to support his online gambling addiction.

The father, identified only as RA, allegedly sold the child for 15 million Indonesian Rupiah (approximately £730) on Facebook, all without his wife’s knowledge.

The alarming situation came to light when the child’s mother returned home to their residence in Tangerang, West Jakarta, and discovered her baby missing.

According to Tangerang City Metro Police Chief Zain Dwi Nugroho, “She pressed RA to share the whereabouts of their child until he eventually confessed that he had sold the newborn.”

Following this confession, RA’s wife promptly reported the incident to the police. During interrogation, RA admitted that he sold the baby to alleviate his debts, but he subsequently squandered the money on gambling.

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Authorities have also arrested two buyers, identified as HK and MO, in connection with the sale.

Investigators suspect these individuals may be part of a larger human trafficking network, which is a serious offense in Indonesia, punishable by up to 15 years in prison and a fine of 600 million Rupiah (around £29,300).

Ai Maryati, the chief of the Indonesian Child Protection Commission, condemned the act, stating, “It is worrying that [RA] is using his financial situation to engage in activities that are being eradicated by the state, and with children being sold, he is also violating basic human rights.”

This case is part of a disturbing trend, as it follows the recent uncovering of a baby trafficking ring in Depok, south of Jakarta, where eight individuals were arrested for an online child trade scheme selling babies for similar amounts.

Officials are continuing to investigate the broader trafficking networks involved, as the Asia Pacific region remains a significant source of trafficking victims, particularly from South and Southeast Asia.

The case highlights the urgent need for stronger protections for vulnerable children and a crackdown on human trafficking in the region.

Father accused of selling 11-month-old baby to fund gambling arrested