MSF alerted in 2024 to suspicious Indonesia–Singapore baby adoption offers, before trafficking ring uncovered

SINGAPORE: The Ministry of Social and Family Development was alerted in April 2024 to a suspicious offer involving Indonesian babies being supplied for adoption in Singapore, a year before Indonesian authorities uncovered a large-scale baby trafficking ring in 2025.

The alert came after a phone call received by Ms Alice Kaveree, managing director of Lotus Child Adoption Agency, from a woman claiming to be an agent based in Pontianak, Indonesia.

According to Ms Kaveree, the caller offered to supply babies for adoption and claimed she could provide falsified DNA test results and birth certificates to support the process.

The woman further alleged that she had already handed four Indonesian babies to an adoption agency in Singapore and was working with several others in the country.

Ms Kaveree rejected the offer and e-mailed MSF on the same day to report the call and its contents.

MSF review found no discrepancies at the time

In response to queries, an MSF spokesperson confirmed on 24 January 2026 that the ministry had received the e-mail and conducted a review of adoption cases that broadly matched the descriptions provided.

“However, the review did not uncover discrepancies or suspicions to warrant further investigation or cancellation of any applications,” the spokesperson said, adding that the information provided at the time was limited.

The spokesperson was responding to questions from The Straits Times.

Indonesian baby trafficking ring uncovered in 2025

In July 2025, Indonesian authorities announced they had busted a baby trafficking syndicate that had arranged the sale of at least 25 infants since 2023.

According to police findings reported at the time, 15 of the babies were allegedly sent to Singapore via Jakarta under the guise of adoption.

West Java police identified 22 suspects accused of involvement in the trafficking of at least 25 babies, with investigations later expanding to identify a total of 26 Indonesian suspects.

The infants were reportedly sold for about S$20,000 each, a sum said to cover delivery costs, infant care expenses and profits for those involved in the syndicate.

Senior Commissioner Ade Sapari, director of special crime at West Java police, told The Straits Times on 21 January that a key suspect in the ring was from Pontianak and maintained extensive networks there.

Links between 2024 alert and syndicate remain unclear

Given the lack of specific names and detailed evidence in 2024, it remains unclear whether the suspicious call received originated from the same syndicate later dismantled by Indonesian authorities.

MSF said that following more detailed media reports in 2025 and information provided by Indonesian investigators, it was able to identify adoption cases in Singapore linked to the ongoing investigations.

“With further information provided through media reports in 2025, and with more specific names from the Indonesian authorities, the ministry was able to identify which cases were linked,” the spokesperson said.

The ministry added that it was working closely with relevant authorities and Indonesian counterparts to review allegations and safeguard the welfare and interests of the children involved.

Three Singapore-based adoption agents allegedly involved in the syndicate

Indonesian police have alleged that three Singapore-based adoption agents were involved in the syndicate.

West Java police spokesman Senior Commissioner Hendra Rochmawan told The Straits Times that the agents, identified only by the initials T.N., P.T. and E.G., were allegedly linked to the trafficking ring.

Their full identities are expected to be disclosed when the syndicate’s trial begins in Indonesia, which police said could start by March.

Cross-border investigations and syndicate operations

In a joint statement issued on 9 January 2026, the Ministry of Home Affairs and MSF said Singapore authorities were assisting Indonesian counterparts with investigations into the alleged trafficking activities.

Indonesian investigators said syndicate members targeted vulnerable expectant parents through social media, offering up to 20 million rupiah, or about S$1,500, in exchange for surrendering their babies.

The babies were then described to prospective adoptive parents in Singapore by Indonesian agents, working in coordination with Singapore-based intermediaries.

Investigators said video calls were used to show the babies to prospective parents, who would then sign a memorandum of understanding setting out costs and terms.

Some babies were brought into Singapore by members of the Indonesian syndicate, while others were collected in Jakarta by adoptive parents after agreements were signed.

West Java police said adoptive parents paid more than S$20,000 per child.

Of the 15 babies sent to Singapore, one has since been taken back to Indonesia, while the remaining 14 are still in Singapore.

Impact on families and parliamentary scrutiny

The Indonesia National Police formally approached Singapore authorities in September 2025 to seek assistance in verifying information linked to the alleged trafficking activities.

The Ministry of Home Affairs and MSF described child trafficking as a serious crime that exploits children’s vulnerabilities and violates their fundamental rights.

They added that such crimes separate children from their biological families for personal gain, with long-term consequences for the children’s well-being and development.

In Singapore, MSF and the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority have been engaging affected adoptive parents to explain the situation and ongoing investigative process.

As a result, some children’s citizenship applications have been delayed, pending the outcome of investigations.

The ministries acknowledged the anxiety caused to adoptive families and said agencies were working together to resolve cases as expeditiously as possible.

MSF engaging families as adoption cases reviewed amid Indonesia baby trafficking investigation

On 14 January, Workers’ Party MP Sylvia Lim raised the issue in Parliament, questioning how many approved adoptions were under review and whether interim assistance could be provided.

Minister of State for Social and Family Development Goh Pei Ming said details could not be disclosed due to ongoing investigations but confirmed that MSF was engaging families and coordinating with Indonesian authorities.

In supplementary questions, Ms Lim highlighted concerns over prolonged uncertainty, public confidence in adoption safeguards and financial burdens on families.

Mr Goh said adoption and citizenship processes are separate, agencies must conduct due diligence, and assistance would be assessed on a case-by-case basis.