Police have arrested 12 people involved in a criminal ring exploiting underage girls in Brussels. It was being run by three teenage boys
Federal police in Brussels have arrested 12 people as part of an investigation into a criminal ring that is sexually exploiting underage girls. The three leaders of the ring are themselves minors.
The investigation started a few months ago with the disappearance of a 16-year-old girl. “It was suspected that she had fallen victim to an organized network that allegedly recruits minors for prostitution,” said the prosecutor’s office in a statement.
The girl was identified and moved to a safe place. Two more underage victims have since been identified, and the prosecutor says there are more victims who have yet to be found and identified.
“A professional operation”
Three adults – two men and a woman – joined the three underage boys in running the operation, which included human trafficking. “Together, they organized client contracts, advertising, reservations and booking rooms,” said the prosecutor. “It was a very professional operation.”
The group is suspected of recruiting, exploiting and organizing the sexual abuse of minors, according to the prosecutor. The investigation will continue in order to identify more victims.