Inp.polri.go.id - Kupang.  The East Nusa Tenggara Regional  Police and the Indonesian National Police (INP) Criminal Investigation Agency, are investigating the smuggling of 12 Bangladeshi citizens intercepted in Kupang on Wednesday. 

Authorities confirmed the individuals are victims of human trafficking.

"The perpetrators are under investigation by the S Human Trafficking Unit in Surabaya," saidEast Nusta Tenggara’s Director of General Criminal Investigation Senior Superintendent Patar Silalahi on Thursday (7/8/2025), as quoted by antaranews.com.

He disclosed the victims entered Indonesia illegally from Malaysia to Sumatra via sea, without official immigration clearance, despite holding valid passports. They later traveled by boat to Surabaya, where they stayed for around five months before arriving in Kupang three to four days ago.

Authorities are currently questioning the victims to determine their intended final destination, which may include Australia or other countries. 

(mg/inp/pr/rs)