Girl, 15, 'abducted and forced into prostitution to 900 people over 4 months' in France

Girl, 15, 'abducted and forced into prostitution to 900 people over 4 months' in France Nearly 900 people are believed to have paid to sexually exploit a 15-year-old girl over a four-month period in France's Var and Alpes-Maritimes regions, investigators say A 15-year-old girl was allegedly forced into prostitution and sexually exploited by nearly 900 people over a four-month period in south-east France. The alleged abuse took place between February and May 2026 in the Var and Alpes-Maritimes regions, according to French newspaper Le Parisien. The investigation began in May after the girl's mother reported her missing to police in Puget-sur-Argens, in the Var region. She feared her daughter was being held against her will in Marseille, prompting officers there to assist with the search. The teenager was found several days later. A man and a teenage boy were arrested on October 13. Both are due to stand trial next month on charges of "aggravated pimping and human trafficking involving a minor". Investigators believe online advertisements were used to attract clients, with rented properties and hotel rooms across the Var and Alpes-Maritimes used to arrange meetings. The girl was allegedly kept under constant surveillance to prevent her from escaping. The two suspects are accused of imposing on her daily financial targets and taking all the money paid by clients. Nearly 900 people are believed to have paid to sexually exploit the teenager during the four months, generating an estimated €63,000 (£52,500), according to investigators. The suspects, one of whom is also a minor, were arrested by gendarmes from the Draguignan surveillance and intervention unit after several months of investigations. They were formally placed under investigation two days later. The adult suspect has been remanded in custody ahead of his trial on December 11. The teenage suspect has been released under judicial supervision and is due to appear before the juvenile court in Draguignan.