A recent operation by the National Police resulted in the arrest of a woman and her partner in connection with the abduction of an underage detainee in Italy. Italian authorities have made the allegation public, prompting swift action by local law enforcement teams in Spain.
The Barcelona Juvenile Prosecutor’s Office, following the pair’s arrest, will evaluate the custody arrangements and admission of the minor to a reception center, while Italian authorities prepare to determine next steps in the case.
At the time of arrest, the couple were traveling by ferry from Ibiza to Barcelona. The missing child, who had been listed in the Schengen Information System by Italian authorities, was reported missing in relation to this incident.
Spanish border police at the Port of Barcelona identified discrepancies in the passenger manifests for the Ibiza–Barcelona crossing, triggering a formal inquiry into the missing person alert and initiating coordination with the national SIRENE office to verify the Italian order concerning the minor.
According to preliminary information, the juvenile is under the guardianship of the Juvenile Court in Brescia, Italy. The authorities indicated that the child was allegedly abducted by her mother, who exploited a medical checkup as a cover for leaving the country and violating the precautionary measures ordered by the court.
Investigators report that the vehicle left the ship in a controlled area as the Italian member of the group traveled with the child’s biological mother and spouse. The circumstances are under review as part of ongoing cooperation between Spanish authorities and Italian prosecutors.
Following coordination with the Barcelona Juvenile Prosecutor’s Office, officials decided to place the minor in a reception center while awaiting decisions from Italian authorities and further direction from the relevant judicial entities.
Officials stressed that the incident highlights the importance of cross-border cooperation within the Schengen area to protect vulnerable individuals and ensure swift action when suspected abductions involve minors. The case remains under investigation and will be handled in accordance with the applicable laws of both Italy and Spain.
As the situation develops, authorities in both countries are expected to issue formal updates on the legal proceedings, the fate of the child, and any potential charges against the adults involved in the abduction. The public is advised to await official statements from the respective judicial authorities as more information becomes available.