An Indonesian man, 36, has been arrested in West Jakarta for allegedly selling his 11-month-old baby online for 15 million rupiah (approximately US$955) without his wife’s consent.
The man, identified only as RA, reportedly used the proceeds to fund his online gambling activities and cover personal expenses, as reported by local media.
According to Tangerang City Metro Police Chief, Zain Dwi Nugroho, the case came to light on October 1 when the child’s biological mother returned from work in Kalimantan and discovered her child missing.
“She pressed RA to share the whereabouts of their child until he eventually confessed that he had sold the newborn,” Mr. Zain explained. Distressed by the revelation, she accompanied RA to file a report at the Tangerang City Police Department.
When questioned by authorities, RA initially claimed he sold the baby to relieve his financial difficulties.
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However, further police investigations revealed that the money was spent primarily on online gambling, contradicting RA’s claims of financial necessity, according to news platform detiknews.
The buyers, identified by the initials HK and MO, were also arrested and are suspected of being part of a human trafficking network.
“RA saw on Facebook that the buyers were looking to purchase a toddler, so he sent them a message and arranged the purchase,” Zain elaborated, as quoted by Kompas.com.
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