The Victoria Police Department is looking for information on the whereabouts of Brent Erskine, who allegedly abducted his four-year-old daughter Samantha from Victoria to take her to Indonesia.
On June 30, Erskine took Samantha for vacation time based on an agreement with her mother Agustina Wulandari. The couple is separated and Wulandari has sole custody of Samantha. Erskine was allowed a one-week vacation to Vancouver. However, after communications changed between the parents Wulandari became worried.
On July 8 the Victoria Police Department was called and began an investigation with its major crime unit.
Investigators discovered that Samantha was in Indonesia with her maternal grandparents and that Erskine was last known to be in Singapore to obtain a visa.
Crown counsel approved criminal charges against Erskine on July 24.
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Currently, his whereabouts are unknown, and Wulandari fears he may come back to her parents at any moment to retrieve Samantha. While Samantha is with family, Wulandari is worried for her daughter’s well-being because she has autism.
“She’s a bit difficult to handle because she needs me, and I miss her so much,” said Wulandari through tears. “I really want to hug her … She’s my blood, and heaven, she’s my blessing. I really, really want her to come back to me. I really miss my daughter.”
Efforts are underway to return Samantha to Canada, as well as track down Erskine, with Global Affairs Canada and Interpol.
“Global Affairs Canada is aware of an international child abduction case in Indonesia,” said Barbara Harvey, spokesperson for Global Affairs Canada in an emailed statement.
“Canadian consular officials are in contact with the child’s family in Canada and are providing consular assistance. Consular officials in Jakarta, Indonesia, are in contact with local authorities to gather additional information.”
Harvey said that more information on this particular case could not be released due to privacy concerns, but said that international situations are very difficult.
“Each country presents its own set of unique challenges. The level of assistance varies depending on the foreign jurisdiction, the involvement of other federal and provincial partners and the family’s needs.”
Police are urging Erskine to seek out a Canadian embassy in order to turn himself in.
Anyone with information on Erskine’s whereabouts can contact the Victoria Police at 250-995-7654.
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