World
ROME (AP) — Italian police say they have busted an international ring of former special forces agents hired to "recover" children involved in custody battles who were spirited across borders by one of their parents.
Palermo police said Thursday three Italians and a Ukrainian were arrested in Italy on kidnapping charges. Warrants also were issued for two Norwegians and a Swede in custody in Tunisia after being arrested.
Police said the investigation involves a Norwegian firm APB World Group Ltd., which allegedly charged thousands of euros (dollars) to recover children whisked out of countries by a parent who had lost a custody battle.
Police said parents desperate to recover a child were turning to ABP World rather than pursue official channels.
Telephone calls seeking comment from APB World were not answered.
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