Kosovo police arrest 11 for exploiting begging children

PRISTINA, Kosovo – Kosovo police say they have arrested 11 people and collected 36 minors countrywide in a crackdown on child beggars.

A statement Monday said those arrested in the weeklong operation included parents. They were charged with children’s maltreatment and abandonment, which carries a maximum penalty of eight years in prison.

Thirteen of the children were from neighbouring Albania and will likely be returned there.

Street beggars usually belong to the Roma and Egyptian communities who do not attend school and whose families live in dire poverty.

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