Sumy, Ukraine — A 35-year-old woman from Sumy has been arrested for attempting to sell her newborn daughter for $30,000 in a case that highlights growing concerns about human trafficking in Ukraine.
The authorities were tipped off about the crime by law enforcement, who acted quickly to prevent the illegal transaction. According to investigators, the woman, who was in the late stages of pregnancy, had been searching for potential buyers for her child.
On May 1, after giving birth, the woman planned to hand over her baby to a buyer from the Bilopillia community. She also arranged to create fake paternity documents for the transaction. The buyer had already given her a $1,000 deposit.
The woman was arrested during the transaction while attempting to collect the remaining $29,000. The operation involved several law enforcement agencies, including the Bilopillia police, Sumy’s criminal investigation department, and border guard operatives.
The Sumy Regional Prosecutor’s Office is overseeing the investigation. The woman faces serious charges under Part 3 of Article 149 of the Ukrainian Criminal Code, which deals with human trafficking. If convicted, she could face up to 15 years in prison.
This case underscores the persistent issue of human trafficking in Ukraine, a country struggling with socio-economic challenges. Authorities stress the importance of cooperation among law enforcement to combat these crimes.
The investigation is ongoing, and more details will emerge as legal proceedings progress. The community in Sumy has been left in shock, sparking conversations about the factors that drive individuals to such extreme actions.
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