Romanian officials detain 5 in child abuse investigation

BUCHAREST, Romania – Romanian officials say they have ordered the detention of five people associated with a German-run program for troubled youth as they investigate allegations of abuse.

Romania’s Directorate for Investigating Organized Crime and Terrorism said Thursday that the five detained include at least one German citizen. No names were released.

They’re accused of forming a criminal group, trafficking minors and other charges.

Officials earlier this week said they were investigating eight people on suspicion of trafficking and abusing German children who were allegedly “kept in a state of slavery” with Romanian-based Project Maramures, a program for children aged 12 to 18.

German officials say they’ve never heard of any complaints about the program, and are in touch with Romanian officials.

Project Maramures has not responded to requests for comment.