Eight arrested in relation to suspected child trafficking case, EUROPOL involved

The incident took place on February 25, when police officers from the Brcko District Police Department, under the supervision of the Prosecutor's Office of Bosnia and Herzegovina and in cooperation with the Brcko District Social Protection Subdivision and the Brcko District Red Cross, found and safely relocated the 31 children.
"As part of the ongoing activities, eight individuals have been arrested on suspicion of committing the criminal offenses of Human Trafficking (Article 207a), Child Trafficking (Article 207b), and Neglect and Abuse of a Child (Article 216), in connection with Article 31 of the Brcko District Criminal Code. The investigation into this case is complex and involves multiple lines of action, with urgent investigative measures being taken," Hukicevic stated.

Under the supervision of the assigned prosecutor, Brcko District police officers are prioritizing all necessary evidentiary procedures. The spokesperson also confirmed cooperation with the State Investigation and Protection Agency (SIPA), the Ministry of Interior of Republika Srpska (MUP RS), the Ministry of Interior of Herzegovina-Neretva Canton (MUP HNK), and necessary international cooperation via EUROPOL.

"During the course of today, the Brcko District Police will submit a report to the Brcko District Prosecutor's Office regarding the committed criminal offenses for further legal proceedings and detention measures," Hukicevic added.