On the island of Tenerife, officers from the National Police arrested a foreign national suspected of deliberately leaving his underage son unsupervised. The incident occurred after a boy without identification arrived at the police station, claiming he had come to Spain unaccompanied by adults.
Initially, the teenager said he had crossed the border by boat, but it soon became clear that his story was not true. Two adult men who accompanied the boy to the station said they had found him confused at a bus stop and decided to help.
Upon investigation, it was discovered that the minor had arrived in the Canary Islands at the beginning of October on a flight from Casablanca, together with his father. Both held valid passports and short-term Schengen visas issued for a tourist trip. The boy later confirmed he had traveled with his parent.
Scheme uncovered and arrest at the airport
Police determined that the father had planned to leave the island, abandoning his son. He had already purchased a ticket for a flight to Seville, while the boy was to remain in Tenerife and enter the care of local social services as an unaccompanied minor.
Law enforcement organized an operation to arrest the man directly at the airport as he was preparing to board his flight. Accompanying him were the same two men who had earlier brought the boy to the police station. Investigators believe they were aware of the father’s plan and assisted in carrying it out.
Attempted Deception and the Consequences for the Family
According to investigators, the man deliberately brought his son into Spain with the intent of abandoning him in order to secure the status of an unaccompanied minor foreign national. This status entitles the child to state protection and guardianship, as well as certain social benefits.
After the arrest, the father was handed over to judicial authorities. He was charged with attempting to endanger the child and violating the regulations governing the stay of foreign minors in the country.
Authorities’ Response and Next Steps
Authorities emphasize that such cases are treated with special seriousness, as they concern the safety and well-being of children. Police continue to investigate in order to clarify all the circumstances and possible involvement of others in organizing the scheme.
The boy has been temporarily placed in the care of social services, where he is receiving the necessary support. Judicial authorities are considering the minor’s future and the measures of responsibility for his father.
