Gang Involved in Selling Children Abroad Neutralized in Kyrgyzstan

A transnational criminal gang engaged 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 included foreign and Kyrgyz citizens. In the period from 2022, the criminals used various manipulation tactics and bribery to obtain custody rights over 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, on September 20 the group's leaders were detained and placed in the SCNS's detention center. An investigation is ongoing to identify the remaining group members and those who assisted them. The situation with child trafficking 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 main problems is the lack of resources and coordination between law enforcement and social services, which makes it challenging to eradicate the trade. International organizations also point to the need to strengthen control over migration, as child trafficking is often associated with the export of minors out of the country. The Kyrgyz government is cooperating 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 required to address the problem.