Rescue Operation Uncovers 31 Children Held by Human Traffickers in Bosnia

In a significant operation in Brcko, Bosnia, authorities rescued 31 children who had been held captive by a human trafficking ring. The rescue was initiated after a courageous 12-year-old girl sought help from passersby, prompting immediate police intervention.

The children, some of whom were as young as a few months old, had been confined in a partially constructed house for several months, under the watch of an Italian woman. Upon investigation, police discovered the tragic conditions in which the children were kept, with many suffering from parasitic infections due to unsanitary living conditions.

The distressing discovery was made when the young girl, along with two smaller children, fled the premises and called for assistance. Reports indicate that the children were reluctant to return to the house from which they had escaped. Authorities were alarmed to find that none of the children had been reported missing, leading to ongoing investigations into their identities.

The children were reportedly recruited by a criminal organization that aimed to exploit them for begging and theft in European Union countries. Some reports suggest that certain children may have been willingly handed over to the traffickers by their parents, who allegedly received compensation for their "care."

A father of two of the rescued children, residing 180 kilometers away in Banja Luka, has come forward to speak with police. While he confirmed that his wife lives in Croatia with six other children, he has not disclosed why the kids were entrusted to the trafficking group.

As part of the investigation, eight individuals have been arrested, including a police officer and the homeowner. They face charges related to the formation of a criminal organization, human trafficking, and child neglect and abuse. Authorities emphasize that the well-being of the children is now being prioritized, with the German Red Cross taking charge of their care.

This incident highlights the ongoing issue of child trafficking in the region, as law enforcement continues to monitor the activities of criminal networks that prey on vulnerable youth. As the investigation unfolds, authorities are committed to ensuring that justice is served and that the children receive the necessary support and rehabilitation.