NGOCSTIP – Polri Breaks Down International Human Trafficking Network targeting Bahrain. Indonesian National Police (Polri) has successfully uncovered a large-scale international human trafficking operation. This network was sending illegal Indonesian migrant workers (PMI) to Bahrain under false pretenses. The operation, carried out by the Criminal Investigation Agency (Bareskrim), led to the arrest of three key suspects involved in trafficking individuals for exploitation. Their actions had affected many, and the discovery has sparked further investigations to break down the entire network.
The criminal network operated by deceiving migrant workers into believing they were securing legitimate jobs. They promised work in hotels as housekeepers and attendants, but the workers were instead forced into exploitative roles, far from what was promised. The network exploited the victims, making them pay large sums for the travel arrangements, which included passport processing, visas, and flight tickets.
The investigation revealed that the syndicate had been in operation since 2022, profiting significantly from their illegal activities. The arrested individuals, SG, RH, and NH, played pivotal roles in managing and organizing the illegal operations. Their positions allowed them to control the recruitment, processing, and departure of the workers, who were often unaware of the risks they were facing.
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The three arrested suspects each had specific roles in the trafficking operation. SG acted as the liaison between the traffickers and employers in Bahrain. SG received payments from the victims and communicated with employers who were complicit in this exploitation. RH, the director of the recruitment agency, was responsible for processing passports, taking money from the victims, and overseeing the departure process. NH, a staff member of the agency, took care of the documents, including the required paperwork for the workers’ departure.
The case came to light when a victim, working in Bahrain as a spa attendant, reported the situation. She revealed that the job she was assigned was different from what had been promised, causing a sense of distress. This led investigators to track the network’s operations and find other individuals who had fallen victim to the same exploitative scheme.
The illegal agency recruited the victims and promised them work in Bahrain for a set fee. The workers paid about 15 million IDR (Indonesian Rupiah) for the process, which included all their travel documents. However, once they arrived in Bahrain, they found themselves working in unsafe conditions and in roles that did not align with what the agency had promised.
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Polri’s investigation continues as they collaborate with other agencies, including the Financial Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (PPATK) to track the illicit funds generated by the network. Furthermore, they are coordinating with the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Polri’s International Relations Division (Divhubinter) to uncover international ties to this human trafficking ring.
Authorities are also focusing on the financial transactions related to the trafficking activities. By tracing the flow of funds, the police hope to uncover more suspects and uncover how the network operates globally.
During the operation, police seized several pieces of evidence that supported their investigation. The items included six passports, six visas, six employment contracts, three mobile phones, one laptop, two bank books, four ATMs, and six bundles of bank statements. These items play a crucial role in building a case against the suspects, ensuring they face accountability for exploiting migrant workers.
The suspects face serious charges under Indonesian law. They are prosecuted under Article 4 of Law No. 21 of 2007 on Human Trafficking. This law carries a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison. A fine of up to IDR 600 million may also be imposed. Additionally, they face charges under Articles 81 and 86 of Law No. 18 of 2017. This law protects Indonesian migrant workers. It carries a sentence of up to 10 years in prison. A fine of up to IDR 15 billion may also be imposed.
Polri has urged the public to remain cautious of job offers that seem too good to be true. The police warn against trusting unlicensed recruiters or sponsors. Authorities encourage people to verify that recruitment agencies are officially recognized and that employment contracts are legal, ensuring the protection of migrant workers’ rights. By doing so, people can avoid falling prey to human trafficking networks that prey on their desperation for work abroad.
Polri Breaks Down International Human Trafficking Network, sending a strong message that human trafficking will not be tolerated. The ongoing investigation is not only about bringing the perpetrators to justice but also about dismantling these criminal organizations. Polri’s efforts are focused on ensuring the safety of Indonesian migrant workers, both domestically and abroad. Through this operation, the police hope to expose the extensive networks behind human trafficking and prevent future exploitation.
