Inp.polri.go.id - Sukabumi. The Mobile Investigation Unit of the Sukabumi Sub-Regional Police's Criminal Investigation Unit have arrested two fugitives involved in human trafficking  to Australia, confirmed Police Senior Superintendent Maruly Pardede, the Chief of Sukabumi Sub-Regional Police, on Thursday (5/10/23). He said that the suspects, identified only by initials  AM, 41-year-old, and SA, 47-year-old, were arrested in Cimahi and Garut, respectively.  SA was suspected to be an intermediary with affiliations to human trafficking syndicates in Australia, while AM allegedly involved in procuring ships. The police had earlier arrested a man, identified by initials AS, 40-year-old, who served as a recruiter, and a  29-year-old woman identified by intials CL,  who involved in contacting potential victims, antaranews.com reported . As many as 29 human trafficking vicitms were rescued in a joint-raid  to a house located in Palabuhanratu Subdistrict, Sukabumi Regency.  The house was used as a temporary shelter for the Indonesians wishing to work illegally to Australia,. They had paid IDR 40 million to secure employment positions in fruit plantations. These prospective illegal migrant workers hailed from various regions in Indonesia, including West Java, Central Java, East Java, West Nusa Tenggara, and Central Sulawesi. They were due to go  via the sea route from Palabuhan Ratu Bay to Christmas Island, Australia.  However, Their departure plans were thwarted at the end of September. "We are addressing this matter. The suspects and the victims are not residents of Sukabumi but, since the incident occurred within Sukabumi Sub-Regional Police jurisdiction, we are overseeing the alleged human trafficking case," Chief Pardede said. The suspects face charges Human Trafficking Law, which carries penalties from from three to fifteen years imprisonment. The victims were now under the protection of the police.  They were due to be returned back to their respective hometowns. (ar/inp/pr/nm)