chargement...
A couple, aged 65 and 42, remains in custody after smuggling a newborn baby from Morocco to Turin last October in a shopping bag with the intention of selling her, local media reported.
The case, dubbed «Save the Baby», also led to the arrest of two accomplices. The judge cited risks of escape, evidence tampering, and reoffending as reasons for the continued detention.
The investigation began after a report to the Public Prosecutor's Office revealed that a Moroccan family in Turin had hosted a newborn girl—unrelated to them—for several weeks, allegedly to sell her. This couple is also under investigation for aiding and abetting after they were asked to take care of the newborn baby by the couple who allegedly smuggled her to Italy. The woman and man stated that they were unaware of the true circumstances prior to that.
Authorities discovered the baby had arrived in Italy in October 2024, transported by the first couple on a ship from Tangier, hidden in a shopping bag and unregistered among the passengers. The long journey reportedly caused health issues, prompting a hospital visit upon arrival.
Investigators believe the baby’s biological mother willingly handed her over to the suspects to be sold in Italy. To avoid suspicion, the couple allegedly enlisted two fellow Moroccans who temporarily cared for the child until a permanent arrangement could be made.
The suspects were actively seeking someone to adopt the girl in exchange for money. If detected, they reportedly planned to move her abroad to avoid prosecution.
After weeks of surveillance, on March 12, police located the residence where the baby was being kept. She was found in good health, taken to hospital for checks, and then placed in the care of social services.
