Three men, aged 27 to 50, were detained by National Police in Malaga amid investigations into alleged drugging, sexual assault, and an attempt to introduce a minor into prostitution. The child had previously escaped from a children’s center in the capital of Malaga. The events are being treated as a serious case involving safeguarding concerns about a person under the state’s care. Source: Malaga Hoy reported the developments on Friday, with police confirming the information to EFE. The police traced the child’s location on the 15th of the month after a period of uncertainty about the child’s whereabouts since the escape.
According to the statements reviewed by investigators, the victim was reportedly given drugs and alcohol before the alleged offenses occurred. Medical professionals at the hospital conducted a thorough examination to assess whether sexual assault had taken place, and the hospital system activated its standard protocol for potential abuse cases. Law enforcement officers are pursuing questions about the roles of the individuals who were in the residence at the time and whether they were involved in coercing the minor into prostitution.
A police operation on October 25 led to the arrest of three men between 27 and 50 years old. Two of them face investigations into alleged sexual assault and public health offenses, while the third is being investigated on charges related to corruption against minors. All three were brought before the authorities this week for formal processing, and the minor involved is currently under supervision of child protection services following the incident.
Further details reveal that the teenager had previously left the center multiple times of his own accord. The boy’s mother has claimed that he has a strong desire to be close to his family and has requested the Extremadura government, which holds guardianship, to consider transferring him to a center within that community so that family contact can be maintained more easily. This request highlights ongoing debates about the best placement and oversight for young people in care, especially when they show a need for closer familial ties while under protective services. Sources indicate that authorities are evaluating all options to ensure the boy’s safety and well-being while respecting his stated wishes.
The case underscores the complex responsibilities of guardianship, the protection of minors, and the duty of police to investigate allegations of exploitation and abuse in environments where young people may be vulnerable. In Spain, as in many jurisdictions, investigations like these involve coordinated efforts across police units, child protection services, medical facilities, and social services to determine the sequence of events, identify all parties involved, and establish accountability. Community safety protocols are routinely reviewed in response to such incidents to strengthen preventive measures, improve response times, and ensure that young people in protective oversight are provided with appropriate support and safe alternative living arrangements while investigations proceed. The authorities have stressed the importance of safeguarding procedures and the ongoing commitment to protecting minors from exploitation, especially in cases where the welfare of a child is at risk and family contact is a key factor in their overall well-being. Notes from the police and hospital staff emphasize that any findings will be shared with the public and relevant oversight bodies as the inquiry continues, with the aim of delivering clarity and ensuring justice for the child involved. Attribution: Malaga Hoy via police confirmation.