Jakarta – The Tulangbawang Police in Lampung have arrested a married couple, identified as SU and SF, at their rented house in Warga Makmur Jaya village in Tulangbawang regency following reports they were running an online child prostitution and human trafficking ring.
SU and SF were arrested on July 19 along with two alleged customers during a raid. The police also seized Rp 400,000 (US$27) in cash and a smartphone as evidence.
"All four of them were taken to the Tulangbawang Police headquarters for questioning," Tulangbawang Police chief Adj. Sr. Comr. Andy Siswantoro said in a press conference on Wednesday as quoted by tribunnews.com.
He further revealed that the couple had been trying to sell three underaged children via Facebook. SF reportedly admitted that she received up to Rp 100,000 for every transaction, which was worth Rp 500,000.
"We promoted the service on Facebook and then arranged meetings with customers in the rented house for conducting transactions," SF said.
The couple has been charged under the 2007 Human Trafficking Law and 2002 Child Protection Law. If convicted, they may face a maximum sentence of 15 years' imprisonment, the police said. (vny)