Police in Turin, Italy, have arrested four Moroccan nationals involved in smuggling a newborn girl into the country for illegal sale.
The baby, born in August 2024, was brought into Italy from Tangier by a Moroccan couple in October. Investigators discovered that the infant was not listed on the passenger manifest and had been hidden in a shopping bag. The woman carrying the baby sought medical help upon arrival in Italy due to health concerns.
Authorities believe the baby’s biological mother handed her over to the woman, intending for the child to be sold. After arriving in Italy, the couple enlisted two other Moroccans to care for the baby while they looked for a buyer.
Investigations revealed that the group was searching for a family to adopt the baby in exchange for money. They also planned to smuggle the child out of the country if authorities intervened.
After weeks of surveillance, police tracked down the temporary caregivers’ residence on March 12. The baby, found in good health, was taken to the hospital for checks while authorities searched for a foster family. Evidence against the couple who transported the child led prosecutors to issue arrest warrants for violating immigration laws. The two caregivers were arrested at the scene.
The investigation continues as authorities work to uncover more details about the trafficking operation.
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