Belgian police arrest 12 suspects, including three teenagers, in a probe into a criminal gang forcing minors into prostitution.
BRUSSELS (Belgium): Belgian authorities said Friday they had detained 12 people as part of a probe into a criminal gang allegedly headed by teenagers who forced other minors into prostitution.
The investigation was launched in March after the disappearance of a 16-year-old girl whom detectives suspect fell victim to sex traffickers, the Brussels prosecutor’s office said.
“The missing girl was found and placed in a safe environment,” the office said, adding that police staged more than a dozen raids during an operation earlier this week.
The investigations identified three underage victims, with evidence suggesting there may be others.
Authorities believe the sex trafficking ring was run by three minors with the help of three adults — two men and a woman.
They are accused of having “professionally” arranged for the sexual exploitation of their victims, “including managing contact with clients, posting advertisements, booking rooms, and scheduling appointments”, the prosecutor’s office said.
All the main suspects remain in custody, with the exception of one minor who was conditionally released.
The three adults face charges including soliciting, recruiting and exploiting a minor for prostitution.
