Baby sale syndicate busted

JAKARTA (JP): Police have uncovered a syndicate dealing with the sale of babies and have nabbed a suspect strongly believed to have been involved in the business.

The syndicate was exposed after police received information from neighbors of the suspect, identified only as Djo, 34, who said they had often seen many babies in his house on Jl. Kebon Jahe, West Jakarta.

Following further investigation, it was revealed that the house was used as a place where babies were handed over to their buyers, following the "transaction" which took place at a beauty salon in Kapuk district, North Jakarta, which is owned by Djo's wife identified as JG, Pos Kota reported.

When police raided the house, JG managed to escape through the back door with two other women who are strongly believed to have been potential buyers of two baby boys.

The two babies were taken by police and are now being temporarily minded at an orphanage.

Police believe that Djo, JG and several other persons formed a syndicate specializing in the sale of babies. Police are also investigating from whom Djo and JG got the babies.(bas)