40-year-old man arrested for child trafficking in Botoșani, 16-year-old victim sexually exploited
A 40-year-old man has been remanded in custody by Botoșani Tribunal in a child trafficking case. A 16-year-old victim was forced to engage in prostitution for several months.
Child trafficking network dismantled in Botoșani: 40-year-old man detained, 18-year-old accomplice sought
Botoșani Tribunal has ordered the remand in custody of a 40-year-old man and the in absentia arrest of an 18-year-old woman, both under investigation for forming an organised criminal group and child trafficking, announced News.ro on Wednesday, citing the Botoșani County Police Inspectorate.
The 18-year-old woman continues to evade criminal proceedings and is being sought by police.
Institutionalised victim, exploited through violence and threats
According to investigators, in the period December 2025 – February 2026, the fugitive woman, together with six other persons, allegedly sexually exploited a 16-year-old institutionalised minor, facilitating her engagement in prostitution for the purpose of obtaining substantial sums of money.
The victim was housed at both the 18-year-old woman's residence and at other addresses of gang members. "Through acts of physical violence and through threats, including threats of death, the injured party was allegedly forced to engage in sexual acts in exchange for sums of money and goods, subsequently appropriated by the persons under investigation", police clarified.
Members of the group also transported the minor to the residences of several clients in Botoșani county, as well as to other locations requested by the latter.
Seven suspects, different measures for each
Of the seven suspects under investigation in the case, three were already in remand custody as of 24 June 2026, and one was under judicial supervision on the same date. With regard to a 27-year-old man, prosecutors from DIICOT ordered judicial supervision separately for a period of 60 days.
The case remains under investigation, with the 18-year-old woman's location not yet identified.
Source: News.ro