More children kidnapped and taken abroad, usually by their mothers

Photo: Depositphotos.com
Photo: Depositphotos.com

In total 288 children in the Netherlands were reported kidnapped and taken abroad by a parent last year, according to new official figures.

That is a rise of 37 on 2016, the International Child Abduction Center said on Wednesday.

Most children were taken to Poland and Germany, followed by Belgium, the UK, Turkey and Morocco. In 70% of cases, the child was taken by their mother.

The CIK says the rise in cases is due to the increase in mixed marriages as globalisation takes hold.

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