Twelve arrested in Brussels in investigation of sexual exploitation of underage girls
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Twelve suspects have been arrested in an investigation into the sexual exploitation of underage girls, the Brussels Public Prosecutor's Office said on Friday.
Three adult suspects have been placed under arrest warrant, while a fourth was released under conditions. Three underage suspects had already been arrested earlier and placed in closed youth institutions. One of them has since been released under conditions.
The investigation was launched in March after the disappearance of a 16-year-old girl. "It was suspected that she had become the victim of an organised network that allegedly recruited underage girls within the prostitution scene," the Public Prosecutor's Office said. The girl was subsequently found and placed in a safe environment.
Investigators later uncovered indications of a structured network allegedly led by three underage boys, with the involvement of two adult men and a woman. According to prosecutors, the suspects organised the activities in a professional manner, managing customer contacts, placing advertisements, booking rooms and arranging appointments.
On Wednesday, investigators carried out searches at 13 addresses and arrested 12 suspects. Four were brought before an investigating judge in Brussels.
"The judge placed three of them, two men and a woman, under arrest warrant on suspicion of inciting and recruiting a minor for sexual abuse, exploitation of the sexual abuse of a minor, and organising the sexual abuse of a minor in association," the Public Prosecutor's Office said. A fourth suspect, a woman, was released under conditions.
"The investigation has already identified three minor victims, but evidence points to the existence of other victims," prosecutors added. The investigation remains ongoing.
© PHOTO NICOLAS LANDEMARD
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