SINGAPORE/JAKARTA – One year before an Indonesian baby trafficking ring was uncovered in 2025, an adoption agent in Singapore reported an alarming phone call she had received to the Ministry of Social adn Family Development (MSF).
In that April 2024 call, a woman had told Ms Alice Kaveree, the managing director of Lotus Child Adoption Agency, that she was an agent from Pontianak and offered to supply babies for adoption – with falsified DNA and birth certificates.
The woman claimed she had already handed four Indonesian babies to an adoption agency in Singapore and was working with a few others.Ms Kaveree rejected her offer and e-mailed MSF on the same day.
In response to The straits Times’ queries, an MSF spokesperson confirmed on Jan 24 that it had received Ms Kaveree’s e-mail, and had reviewed the adoption cases that matched the general descriptions provided.
“Though, the review did not uncover discrepancies or suspicions to warrant further investigation or cancellation of any applications,” said the spokesperson.
In July 2025, news broke of the Indonesian authorities busting a baby trafficking ring that had arranged the sale of 25 infants since 2023. Of these, 15 babies were sent via Jakarta to Singapore.
Senior Commissioner Ade Sapari, director of special crime at west Java police, told ST on jan 21 that a key suspect in the trafficking ring is from Pontianak and maintains extensive networks there.
Given the limited details available in 2024,it is unclear if the suspicious call Ms Kaveree received was from someone in the same syndicate.
The MSF spokesperson said that with further information provided through media reports in 2025, and with more specific names from the Indonesian authorities, the ministry was able to identify which cases were linked to the ongoing investigations in indonesia.
indonesian authorities detained 12 suspects in July 2025 after uncovering an alleged baby trafficking ring that sent more than a dozen infants to Singapore.
PHOTO: HERALOEBSS/X
in Singapore, hopeful adoptive parents first attend mandatory briefings and undergo an adoption suitability assessment. Then, they can choose to adopt a child under state care, or find a child through their own contacts or an agency.
Adoptive parents must ensure that the sourcing, matching and placement of the child under their care comply with the laws of both Singapore and the child’s country of origin, according to MSF’s website.
have to do due diligence on the children’s backgrounds
, and those that knowingly bring in children of suspicious origin will be dealt with, said Minister of State for Social and Family Development Goh Pei Ming in parliament on Jan 14.
Tighter laws under the Adoption of Children Act (ACA) came into effect in October 2024.
Biological parents now need to sign their consent documents before an self-reliant third party, and these documents are longer and more stringent than before, said senior lawyer Sandra Ong from Gloria James-Civetta &
Singapore Tightens Regulations on Overseas Adoption
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Singapore enacted the Adoption of Children Act 2022 on january 1, 2024, considerably increasing scrutiny of overseas adoptions to protect children and adoptive parents from unethical practices. The new law requires pre-adoption reports,home study reports,and post-placement supervision for all overseas adoptions.
Increased Oversight of Adoption Agencies
The adoption of Children Act 2022 mandates that all adoption agencies operating in Singapore, including those facilitating overseas adoptions, must be licensed by the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF). As of December 31, 2025, 12 agencies held licenses to conduct adoption work, according to the MSF website. This licensing process includes rigorous assessment of the agency’s practices, financial stability, and the qualifications of its staff.
New Requirements for Prospective Adoptive Parents
prospective adoptive parents must now undergo more comprehensive screening and assessment processes. This includes a detailed home study conducted by a licensed adoption agency,which evaluates the applicants’ suitability to provide a stable and nurturing environment for a child.The MSF also requires prospective parents to submit a pre-adoption report detailing the child’s background and circumstances, and a post-placement report following the adoption to ensure the child’s well-being. These reports are reviewed by MSF officers.
Addressing Concerns About Irregular Practices
The legislative changes were prompted by growing concerns about unethical practices in overseas adoptions, including instances of baby selling and fraudulent documentation. In 2018, Ms. Melissa Anne Tan adopted her daughter Kaitlyn from Pontianak, Indonesia, after contacting over five local agencies, highlighting the difficulties faced by prospective parents. She expressed uncertainty about the authenticity of her daughter’s birth certificate, stating, “I could only do what I could do. I wouldn’t know what a real birth certificate looks like.” The new regulations aim to mitigate such risks by strengthening verification procedures and increasing accountability.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Individuals or agencies found to be in violation of the Adoption of Children Act 2022 face significant penalties, including fines of up to $50,000 and imprisonment for up to five years. The MSF has the authority to revoke licenses and prohibit individuals from engaging in adoption-related activities.As of January 15,2026,no cases of prosecution under the new act have been reported,according to the Singapore Courts website.
Impact on Intercountry Adoption Numbers
The number of intercountry adoptions in Singapore has decreased since the implementation of the new regulations. In 2022,there were 46 intercountry adoptions,compared to 62 in 2021,according to data from the MSF. The MSF attributes this decline to the more stringent requirements and increased scrutiny, which have resulted in a more cautious approach by both agencies and prospective adoptive parents. The MSF maintains that the priority is to ensure the welfare and protection of children involved in overseas adoptions.
