Four Moroccan nationals have been arrested in Turin on suspicion of smuggling a two-month-old baby girl into Italy inside a shopping bag to sell her to a new family.
The case came to light following a report submitted to the Public Prosecutor’s Office of Turin. According to law enforcement officials, a Moroccan couple residing in the northern Italian city had been hosting the baby for several weeks, with the alleged intent of selling her to a third party.
Investigations revealed that the infant, believed to have been born in August 2024, arrived in Italy last October aboard a ship from Tangier.
In order to bypass passenger registration protocols, the couple allegedly concealed the baby in a shopping bag for the duration of the journey. The prolonged and arduous trip took a toll on the child’s health, prompting the woman to take her to a hospital for medical checks upon arrival in Turin.
Further inquiries uncovered that the couple had enlisted the help of two other Moroccan nationals, a man and a woman, who provided temporary shelter for the baby while efforts were made to find a permanent home for her.
Investigators believe the suspects were actively searching for someone willing to take custody of the child in exchange for money. As an alternative plan, they had allegedly considered smuggling the baby abroad to prevent authorities from tracking her whereabouts.
After a thorough investigation, authorities successfully identified the suspects and their residence on March 12. The baby was found inside the apartment and immediately transferred to Regina Margherita Hospital for medical evaluation.
Despite her ordeal, medical professionals have confirmed that she is in good health.
The arrested individuals now face serious charges, including violations of immigration laws and aiding and abetting an illegal stay. Child welfare authorities are working to place the infant in a permanent foster home.
