A five-year-old girl from El Prat de Llobregat was found in Italy several days after her father failed to return her to her mother as required by a court-ordered custody arrangement. The girl is in good condition and her health and safety are not at risk. The search covered several countries, with both Spanish and Italian law enforcement agencies participating in the operation.
The alert was raised after the girl’s mother contacted police on Sunday, December 14. She reported that the father was supposed to return their daughter after the weekend, but he did not. Police immediately launched an investigation, involving international agencies and private specialists.
Search efforts and cooperation
The Sirene system, designed to coordinate actions between European police services, was activated during the search. This helped authorities quickly identify a possible location for the child outside Spain. Private detectives also joined the investigation, providing additional information about the movements of the father and daughter.
Thanks to the joint efforts of law enforcement in both countries and private sector experts, the girl was found in the small Italian town of Vitualizo. Local authorities responded promptly to the request from their Spanish counterparts and ensured the child’s safety until all circumstances could be clarified.
Family response and investigation
The girl’s mother, upon learning of her whereabouts, expressed gratitude to everyone involved in the search. The family endured several tense days without any information about the child’s fate. The girl is now under protection, and her return to her mother is expected soon.
Police continue to investigate the violation of the custody agreement. Preliminary reports indicate the girl’s father took her abroad without the mother’s consent and in defiance of a court order. Investigators are clarifying all the details to legally assess the man’s actions.
Next steps
In the coming days, the girl is expected to be handed over to Spanish authorities and reunited with her family. The question of possible charges against the father will be decided as part of a criminal investigation. Law enforcement emphasizes the importance of international cooperation in such cases, especially regarding the safety of minors.
The case sparked widespread public reaction in Catalonia and beyond. Many local residents followed the developments closely and voiced their support for the girl’s family. Authorities note that such incidents require a swift response and effective coordination among various services.
