JAKARTA, Indonesia – Police announced Tuesday (May 21st) the arrest of an Iranian-born Australian suspected of heading a human trafficking network, AFP reported.

Mohammad Abdi was detained in Jakarta on Monday along with two other Iranians.

"Abdi plays an important role in the people-smuggling business," said Nani Rusiani, a senior officer in the police's anti-smuggling taskforce. "He travels at least five times a month to Indonesia from Australia to arrange boat trips."

Nani said police were tipped off by a man they detained earlier this month who was allegedly about to lead about 30 Iranian asylum-seekers to Australia. He told police Abdi had paid him 115m rupiah ($11,700) to arrange the trip.