Gang involved in selling children abroad, neutralized in Kyrgyzstan

A transnational criminal gang involved in the illegal adoption and sale of children abroad has been disrupted in Kyrgyzstan.

The State Committee for National Security (SCNS) reported that the group also included foreign and Kyrgyz citizens. In the period from 2022 onwards, criminals have used various manipulation tactics and bribery to obtain custody of children from socially vulnerable families, after which they illegally transported them out of the country for sale.

As a result of investigative and operational measures, the group’s leaders were arrested on September 20 and placed in the SCNS detention center. An investigation is underway to identify the remaining group members and those who helped them.

The child trafficking situation in Kyrgyzstan remains an acute problem despite the efforts of the authorities. The country is a source and transit point for human trafficking, including children, who are often victims of sexual exploitation or illegal adoption. Criminal groups use corrupt connections and manipulation to gain custody of children from socially vulnerable families.

One of the biggest problems is the lack of resources and coordination between law enforcement and social services, making it challenging to eradicate the trade. International organizations also point to the need to strengthen migration controls, as child trafficking is often linked to the export of minors from the country.

The Kyrgyz government is working with international organizations such as the UN and Interpol to combat human trafficking, but further strengthening of law enforcement and prevention of such crimes is needed to tackle the problem.