Father arrested in Georgia over trafficking of minor children

Georgian police have arrested a man accused of trafficking his minor children by forcing them to beg on the streets of Tbilisi and taking the money they collected for himself, the Interior Ministry said.

According to investigators, the man allegedly used psychological and physical violence to force his minor children to beg for money in Tbilisi.

Police said he appropriated the money collected by the children.

The suspect was arrested following investigative measures conducted by officers from the Central Criminal Police Department in cooperation with the Prosecutor's Office.

The children have been placed in a service centre operated by the State Care and Assistance Agency for Victims of Trafficking and other victims. Their health is not in danger, according to the Interior Ministry.

The crime carries a prison sentence of up to 17 years.