Dutch-Spanish couple arrested in Spain for kidnapping and abusing three children
Spanish National Police arrested a couple from the Netherlands at the maritime border crossing in Tarifa as they tried to take their three minor children from Spain to Morocco by ferry. The couple, including a Dutch father and a Spanish mother, were detained on May 18 on the basis of a European Arrest Warrant issued by Dutch authorities for kidnapping, unlawful detention, and hostage-taking involving their children.
One of the children was suffering from a cerebral hemorrhage and subdural hematoma when border patrol officers intervened at the port. The family was intending to board the ferry for Tangier, Morocco. Authorities initially noticed bruises, scratches and cuts, and more injuries were found during a medical evaluation, including several bone fractures to the upper arm, elbow, and tibia.
The child could have died from the injuries, and was admitted to a medical center in Tarifa where a neurosurgeon was needed to treat the individual. Authorities allege the parents intentionally withheld medical care.
Dutch authorities had warned that the children were in a highly dangerous situation, suffering severe neglect and abuse. The couple was subject to court rulings in the Netherlands, including restraining orders, and orders of protection were in effect as well, according to media outlets in Spain.
Evidence suggested the parents were intending to permanently leave the Schengen Area, Spanish authorities said. The parents were found in possession of their cash savings, jewelry, and other valuables indicating they were trying to evade the Dutch judicial system.
The parents were transported to a prison in Madrid, and were later ordered to remain in custody pending extradition to the Netherlands. All three children were placed in the temporary custody of a foster family, with social services provided by the province of Cádiz
The arrest was the result of a coordinated effort between Spanish border agents and the international SIRENE office, a European network that facilitates law enforcement information sharing across countries.
