The death of a six-month-old baby in Bolivia has brought to light an alleged network of human trafficking dedicated to child exploitation. The little girl was reportedly acquired from her indigenous Ayorea mother for 150 bolivianos (about 19 euros), in addition to the promise of receiving 50 bolivianos monthly (6.30 euros), to be used in begging activities in the city of Cochabamba.
The Public Prosecutor's Office is investigating possible crimes of homicide and human trafficking, while two suspects remain arrested awaiting their precautionary hearing, according to the Bolivian newspaper "El Deber".
The investigation began when medical personnel at a hospital in western Cochabamba reported the arrival of the minor already without vital signs.
Agents of the Special Force to Fight Crime (FELCC) began the investigation, which led to the arrest of Elías M. Ch., 18 years old, and Marisabel W. D., 32 years old, who claimed to be relatives of the girl, as stated by the director of the FELCC, Rolando Vera.
However, the investigations revealed that the baby had been brought from Puerto Suárez, in the department of Santa Cruz, by people who were not her biological parents.
The director of Gender and Generational Affairs of the Cochabamba Mayor's Office, Cynthia Prado, indicated that the minor arrived accompanied by adults without family ties and that, during interventions, it was confirmed that these same people were also caring for other children.
The Police suspect that the cause of death was pneumonia, although the autopsy by the Institute of Forensic Investigations (IDIF) will officially confirm the cause of death.
In a subsequent joint operation in Cochabamba, the FELCC and the Defense of Children and Adolescents rescued four minors, two aged 13 and two aged 9, who were also forced to beg in different streets of the city.