A shocking child abandonment case involving a French couple has drawn attention in Portugal after two young boys were allegedly left alone inside a forest during a fake treasure hunt. Authorities later rescued the children after a passing couple found them crying beside a rural road in southern Portugal.
The boys, aged three and five, reportedly disappeared from their home in eastern France before travelling across Spain and into Portugal with their mother, Marine Rousseau, and her partner, Marc Ballabriga. Portuguese media reported that the parents abandoned the children near Monte Novo do Sul on Tuesday evening.
Children Found Crying
Local bakery worker Alexandre Quintas and his wife discovered the frightened brothers wandering near the road with backpacks containing food, fruit, water, and clothing. Quintas said the children were screaming and crying when he approached them.
According to reports, the older boy explained that their mother blindfolded them as part of a game before leaving them alone in the forest. The children reportedly believed they were taking part in a treasure hunt and spent several hours searching through the wooded area before reaching the road.
The couple immediately brought the children to a nearby police station. Authorities later confirmed the boys had no identification documents with them, although they managed to identify their mother from a photograph shown by investigators.
CCTV Footage Emerges
New CCTV footage later showed the family stopping at a petrol station near the Spanish border shortly after entering Portugal. The video captured the children playing inside the family car while the adults spoke with station workers.
Investigators believe the parents told the children they were playing a game called “drive away the devil.” The parents reportedly told the boys to remove their blindfolds only after finding objects supposedly hidden in the forest.
Police eventually arrested the couple at a café in Fatima, around 125 miles from the location where the children were found. Witnesses said the pair appeared calm while officers searched and handcuffed them.
Investigation Continues
French authorities launched a formal investigation into the case after the children’s father reported them missing on May 11. Officials said the couple may face charges linked to child abandonment and domestic violence.
Portuguese authorities confirmed the children are now under foster care and remain in good health after medical examinations. Investigators from both France and Portugal continue working together as legal proceedings move forward.
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