Singapore authorities unable to confirm offenses in Indonesian baby trafficking case

Authorities in Singapore have stated they are unable to determine if any offenses were committed within the country or by Singaporeans and Singapore-based entities, following the sentencing of an Indonesian baby trafficking syndicate last month. The syndicate's ringleader admitted to trafficking at least 12 babies to Singapore, with prices ranging from S$17,000 to S$21,600 per child.

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Based on information available to us thus far, we are presently unable to conclude that any offence has been committed in Singapore, or by Singaporeans or Singapore-based entities.

In response to queries, Singapore's Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) and Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) said they would take firm enforcement action against any lawbreakers. They are collaborating with Indonesian authorities to obtain information about each child and their biological parents. This data is crucial for assessing the best interests of the children, a key factor for Singaporean courts in deciding pending adoption applications.

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We will not hesitate to take firm enforcement action against those who have broken our laws.

Earlier this year, the ministries acknowledged delays in processing citizenship applications for some children and engaged with affected adoptive parents. They expressed awareness of the anxiety caused and committed to working expeditiously to safeguard the children's welfare. Meanwhile, an Indonesian court sentenced 19 individuals, including the 70-year-old alleged ringleader Lie Siu Luan, to up to seven years in prison for their roles in the trafficking operation. Lie Siu Luan reportedly communicated with four adoption agents in Singapore from late 2022.

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We are keenly aware of the anxiety that this situation has caused to the adoptive parents, and are working closely across the relevant authorities to ensure that the cases are dealt with as expeditiously as we can, and to safeguard the welfare and interests of the children.