Bali immigration officers detained in connection to organ trafficking

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
29 Jul 2023 15:24

The traffickers received around $13,800 for each kidney, while victims were left with only a fraction of the payment.

Indonesian police officers escort suspects and display the items of evidence during a press conference at Jakarta police headquarters in Jakarta, Indonesia, on Jul 20, 2023. (AP)

Indonesian police have arrested three immigration officers in Bali for their alleged involvement in an illegal organ trafficking syndicate, which transported dozens of victims to Cambodia to sell their kidneys.

This action comes as authorities continue their crackdown on the suspected organ trade ring, apprehending 12 individuals last week, including a police officer and an immigration officer named AH, accused of smuggling 122 victims abroad.

The three Bali immigration officers are accused of collaborating with AH, who reportedly accepted bribes to facilitate the easy passage of victims through immigration checks to Cambodia for kidney surgeries.

The organ trafficking ring has been operating since 2019, earning approximately $1.6 million in total. The traffickers received around $13,800 for each kidney, while victims were left with only a fraction of the payment.

Organ trading is illegal in Indonesia, and those involved in the syndicate face severe penalties, including up to 20 years in prison if convicted.

In short, human organ trafficking in Indonesia is a deeply concerning and illegal practice that poses a significant threat to vulnerable individuals. This illicit trade involves the illegal removal and sale of organs from living donors, often driven by poverty and financial desperation.

Victims, facing dire economic circumstances, are lured into this dangerous network with false promises of financial compensation. The traffickers, working in sophisticated syndicates, exploit the desperation of their victims, leaving them with only a fraction of the payment received for their organs.

The trade not only violates human rights but also poses serious health risks to the victims who undergo these dangerous procedures. Indonesian authorities are actively working to combat this heinous crime, but the clandestine nature of the trade makes it a challenging battle.

The fight against organ trafficking requires a multifaceted approach, including public awareness campaigns, law enforcement efforts, and support for victims, to effectively put an end to this grave violation of human dignity.