Kosovo police arrest 11 for exploiting begging children
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Kosovo police say they have arrested 11 people and collected 36 minors countrywide in a crackdown on child beggars.
A statement Monday said those arrested in the weeklong operation included parents. They were charged with children's maltreatment and abandonment, which carries a maximum penalty of eight years in prison.
Thirteen of the children were from neighboring Albania and will likely be returned there.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Street beggars usually belong to the Roma and Egyptian communities who do not attend school and whose families live in dire poverty.