In Lutsk, law enforcement officers uncovered a shocking crime — a 38-year-old woman tried to sell her own 6-year-old son for 25 thousand US dollars. She was detained immediately after receiving the money. This was reported to the Prosecutor General’s Office of Ukraine.
According to the investigation, the woman had previously been held criminally liable for theft. After the divorce, she remained to live with her youngest son, while the two older children — 13 and 16 years old — live with their father. Not wanting to take care of the child any longer, the suspect decided to get rid of the boy by selling him.
In March 2026, she found a potential “buyer” and agreed to transfer the child for 25 thousand dollars. However, the man who was offered to buy the child turned to law enforcement officers. Further actions took place under the control of investigators.
The transfer of the child and money took place on April 17, 2026 in Lutsk. Immediately after receiving the funds, the woman was detained in accordance with Article 208 of the Criminal Procedure Code of Ukraine.
She was informed of the suspicion under Part 3 of Article 149 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine – trafficking in a minor child. The sanction of the article provides for a penalty in the form of imprisonment for a term of 8 to 15 years. The court chose a preventive measure in the form of detention for the suspect.
A separate legal assessment will be given to the actions of social service workers, since the child was registered with the relevant authorities.
Currently, the 6-year-old boy is in a children’s shelter under the supervision of guardianship and trusteeship authorities. Law enforcement officers emphasize that the case is under special control, and all the circumstances of the crime are being established.
This case once again raises the issue of the effectiveness of social services and the need to strengthen control over families who find themselves in difficult life circumstances.
