JAKARTA: Indonesian authorities have crushed a human trafficking network in South Aceh that illegally transported Rohingya refugees and Acehnese into neighbouring countries.
Aceh police confirmed three suspects were identified while eight others remain on the wanted list, with officials urging them to surrender.
"They share responsibilities, including managing finances, arranging transport and connecting their networks across Bangladesh, Aceh, Riau and Malaysia," stated its criminal investigation department director Commissioner Ade Harianto in a statement.
He said suspects had been operating for a long time, and that biometric data from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) was crucial to the investigation.
He added that Indonesian police would continue to pursue those involved in human trafficking until they are apprehended and held accountable under the law, noting that their actions violate immigration laws and may also be classified as human trafficking offences.
The bust was attributed to strong collaboration among various stakeholders, including local leaders, immigration officials, the regional government, UNHCR and the International Organisation for Migration, he said. – Bernama
