Turkish police bust gang that rented kids to beg in streets
Turkish police bust gang that rented kids to beg in streets

A modern-day Fagin gang that recruited the children of Syrian refugees who they forced to beg and steal on the streets has been smashed by cops in Turkey who say they arrested 24 people, and rescued 68 kids.The Istanbul Police Department Children's Branch launched an investigation into the alleged Fagin gang three months ago before carrying out raids at several properties at 5am on 28th September.During the early-morning raids, officers also rescued the youngsters.

The video footage shows the moment officers break into one property and find several suspects and minors.The local authorities also seized TRY 250,000 (GBP 25,092) and SYP 228,500 (GBP 348) in banknotes as well as a large amount of cash in coins.The gang is accused of renting the children from Syrian families before making them beg on the streets in order to recuperate the expense.It is believed that gang members paid the Syrian families TRY 1,000 (GBP 100) to use their children for street begging.The investigation continues.