Croatia investigates human trafficking of two adopted girls

human trafficking Dalmatia child abuse adoption scandal Dubrovnik

The Dubrovnik County State Attorney's Office has launched a formal investigation into two Croatian citizens suspected of human trafficking. The case involves two adopted minor girls in southern Dalmatia who were allegedly held in slave-like conditions.

According to officials, the suspects are accused of forcing the children to perform farm work and household chores, including agricultural tasks and caring for biological siblings. The girls were reportedly subjected to physical punishment and had their hair cut as a form of discipline. In some instances, they were allegedly kept locked in a garage for several days, provided with only two warm meals a day, and forced to sleep on chairs.

The abuse came to light after one of the girls escaped from the family home. Following the escape, the children were placed in the care of social welfare institutions. The suspects have completed their investigative detention, and the investigation remains ongoing.

Entities

Alen Ružić · Croatia · Croatian Social Welfare Institute · Croatian Social Work Institute · Dalmatia · Dubrovnik County State Attorney's Office

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 2 SOURCES] The investigative detention for the parents suspected of human trafficking has ended. rtv-hb.com · radiosarajevo.ba
[● 3 SOURCES] The abuse was discovered following the escape of one of the girls from the family home. rtv-hb.com · www.index.hr · mondo.rs
[● 3 SOURCES] The Dubrovnik County State Attorney's Office has launched an investigation into two Croatian citizens suspected of human trafficking. rtv-hb.com · www.index.hr · mondo.rs
[● 3 SOURCES] The suspects allegedly used physical punishment and cutting the girls' hair as methods of discipline. rtv-hb.com · www.index.hr · mondo.rs
[● 3 SOURCES] The girls were allegedly forced to work on a farm and perform household and agricultural tasks. rtv-hb.com · www.index.hr · mondo.rs
[● 2 SOURCES] The children have been placed under protective care in social welfare institutions. rtv-hb.com · radiosarajevo.ba
[● 2 SOURCES] The legal investigation into the matter is still ongoing. rtv-hb.com · radiosarajevo.ba
[● 3 SOURCES] The suspects are accused of holding two adopted minor girls in slave-like conditions in southern Dalmatia. rtv-hb.com · www.index.hr · mondo.rs