Romanian police rescue children used for begging in Călărași

On 19 June 2026, police in the Romanian city of Călărași carried out home raids as part of an investigation into the use of children for begging. Four adults – a 33‑year‑old man and three women aged 19 to 34 – were detained on suspicion that, between September 2025 and March 2026, they forced their own children to solicit money from the public despite being capable of work. The children were taken into custody by the General Directorate for Social Assistance and Child Protection for assessment and protective measures.

The case highlights a growing social problem in Romania, where economic hardship and limited access to education have led some vulnerable families to resort to child‑led begging. Authorities emphasized the rapid, coordinated response as part of a broader effort to combat child exploitation and improve child‑welfare services.