Marshall Islands lays first charges to combat baby traffickers

The Marshall Islands has charged three people with offences relating to the trafficking of babies.

The charges mark the country’s first legal move to stop the flow of illegal adoptions of Marshallese babies in the United States.

The three accused are all Marshall Islanders. Two are from Majuro and the other is resident in Arkansas, which is understood to be a popular destination for pregnant Marshallese mothers who adopt out their babies.

The three accused made an initial court appearance this week before Judge Witten Philippo, who scheduled a preliminary hearing for April 12 where arguments will be presented in detail.

The Chief Public Defender, Russell Kun, is representing the defendants: Justin Aine (46), Aiti “Hatty” Anidrep (49) and Sally Abon (53). Assistant Attorney-General Meuton Laiden filed charges in the High Court on March 14.

Justin Aine of Arkansas was charged with one count each of trafficking in persons, unlawful solicitation and monetary inducement, while the other two were charged with one count each of aiding and abetting, and unlawful solicitation.

The charges relate to allegations they attempted to recruit a woman from Majuro to provide her baby for adoption in Arkansas. There has been a marked decrease in legal adoptions over the past 15 years, “as the adoptions directly in the US escalated.”