Georgia Charges Parent with Trafficking Children for Forced Begging

Georgian prosecutors have charged a parent with trafficking and labour exploitation of two minor children, alleging they were forced to beg for money and subjected to physical violence.

An investigation by the Interior Ministry found that the accused allegedly exploited the children by taking all the money they collected through begging.

According to the Prosecutor’s Office, the children were given a daily target and were not allowed to stop begging until they had collected the required amount. The accused also allegedly verbally and physically abused them.

The suspect has been charged under Georgia’s Criminal Code with trafficking involving two minors for the purpose of exploitation, including through coercion and violence dangerous to their health, as well as exploiting their material and other forms of dependency.

If convicted, the defendant faces up to 17 years in prison.

The Prosecutor’s Office said it would ask the court to order the suspect held in pre-trial detention within the timeframe prescribed by law.