Police Dismantle International Child Trafficking Ring Targeting Minors in State Care
Spanish and Italian authorities have dismantled a human trafficking ring following the interception of a 14-year-old girl at Tenerife North Airport, leading to the arrest of three individuals involved in a forced marriage scheme.
The dismantling of this criminal network highlights the ongoing issue of child trafficking for forced marriage. Police have arrested three individuals, and the alleged ringleader has been located in Italy. The case exposes how vulnerable minors in state care can be and shows the sophisticated methods criminal groups use to bypass border security.
The investigation began on July 6, 2025, at Tenerife North Airport. National Police officers intercepted an adult trying to take a 14-year-old girl off the island. The girl was under the care of a local foster center and had been reported missing by staff just hours earlier. To get through airport security, she was using the identification documents of a 20-year-old woman. The operation was successful thanks to a quick alert from the girl’s peers, who had spotted her with a suspect at a bus stop.
By analyzing electronic devices and documents seized at the airport, investigators uncovered a web of coercion used against the victim. This evidence allowed police to expand the investigation internationally. In May, through judicial cooperation between Spain and Italy, authorities located and arrested the man accused of organizing and paying for the forced marriage. He is currently in custody in Italy, awaiting extradition to face trial in Spain.
This case has reignited concerns regarding security at juvenile centers and the effectiveness of protocols designed to protect children from international criminal networks. Trafficking minors for forced marriage is a severe violation of children's rights and poses a significant challenge for law enforcement, who must coordinate across borders to dismantle these operations.