The Indonesian National Police reveal on Saturday that three Bali immigration officers have been apprehend. They alleged involvement in an illegal organ trafficking syndicate. This criminal network transport numerous victims to Cambodia, where they were force to sell their kidneys. The recent crackdown has result in the arrest of 12 individuals. It is including an immigration officer know as AH. He was accuse of aiding in the smuggling of 122 victims overseas.
Crackdown on the Organ Trade Ring
Law enforcement agencies have intensified their efforts to dismantle the illegal organ trade ring. Last week, they apprehended 12 members of the syndicate, which included not only AH but also a police officer. The investigation revealed that AH accepted bribes to facilitate the passage of victims through immigration checks. He is allowing them to reach Cambodia for kidney surgeries.
Bali Immigration Officers Involved
The three Bali immigration officers now under arrest are alleged to have collaborate with AH in his criminal activities. By enabling the victims to pass through immigration checks without raising suspicion, they facilitate the illegal trade. These officers will be take to Jakarta, where they will be place under the custody of the Jakarta Police.
Extent of the Organ Trafficking Scheme
Authorities suspect that there may be more victims involve and are urging them to come forward. The trafficking ring operated between March and June, during which at least 18 kidney donors left Bali for Cambodia. The criminals behind the scheme earned a staggering Rp 24.4 billion ($1.5 million) from the illegal trade. Each kidney was sell for Rp 200 million, with the traffickers pocketing Rp 65 million and giving the remaining amount to the victims.
Harvesting Organs in Phnom Penh
According to the police, the organs were harvested at a hospital in Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s capital city. It is essential to note that organ trading is strictly prohibited in Indonesia. The 10 individuals arrested earlier, apart from AH and the police officer, could face up to 15 years in prison and Rp 600 million in fines if convicted for violating Indonesia’s human trafficking laws.
Accusations Against the Police Officer and Immigration Officer AH
The police officer involve has been accuse of obstructing the investigation and receiving bribes to aid the traffickers in changing locations. If found guilty, he could face a sentence of five years in prison. On the other hand, immigration officer AH is charged with abuse of power, which carries a potential penalty of up to 20 years in prison.
Underlying Causes of the Organ Trade
The organ trade in Indonesia is often driven by desperate circumstances, with cash-strapped individuals resorting to selling their kidneys online for as little as Rp 50 million each. Poverty, mounting family debts, and outstanding bank loans contribute to this perilous and illegal trade in human body parts. Many of the 122 victims in this case had lost their jobs during the pandemic and were vulnerable due to their precarious financial situations.
Conclusion
As the Indonesian authorities continue to crack down on the illegal organ trade, the recent arrests of three Bali immigration officers shed light on the extent of this despicable criminal operation. The involvement of individuals in positions of power, such as police and immigration officers, highlights the challenges faced by law enforcement in combating this illicit trade. The victims, exploited due to their dire financial circumstances, serve as a somber reminder of the underlying economic and social issues contributing to this heinous practice.
