BLITAR – Blitar Police have uncovered an alleged human trafficking network linked to online prostitution services in the Blitar Raya area. Investigators arrested five suspected pimps who allegedly recruited women through social media platforms.

The case drew attention because one of the identified victims was reportedly underage. Police spent nearly two months investigating the network before identifying the suspects.

The investigation began after parents reported that their child had allegedly become a victim of sexual exploitation connected to the group.

Blitar City Police Chief AKBP Kalfaris Triwijaya Lalo said the suspects searched for female victims through Facebook. After contacting the women online, the suspects allegedly invited them to a rented boarding house in Blitar City.

Police believe the suspects used the property to arrange prostitution activities. “The suspects allegedly rented a boarding house in Blitar City and used the location to offer victims to customers,” Kalfaris said on Tuesday.

According to investigators, the suspects promised high earnings to convince victims to join the operation. After reaching agreements with the women, the suspects allegedly searched for male customers through the MiChat messaging application.

Police said each transaction ranged from Rp 200,000 to Rp 350,000. “Victims reportedly received promises of high payments. The suspects then shared the transaction money with them,” Kalfaris explained.

Police arrested five suspects identified by the initials SW, 31, DR, 21, VR, 26, FL, 19, and GMS, 17. During the investigation, officers identified three victims connected to the case.

One of the victims reportedly remains underage. Police believe the suspects deliberately targeted vulnerable women in the Blitar Raya area for personal profit.

Investigators also suspect the group relied on digital platforms to arrange meetings and avoid direct detection. Authorities seized two mobile phones that officers believe the suspects used for communication and prostitution transactions.

Police charged the suspects under Articles 419 and 455 of Indonesia’s 2023 Criminal Code related to human trafficking and exploitation crimes. If convicted, the suspects could face up to 15 years in prison.