Human trafficking investigation launched in Iceland involving man accused of smuggling underage girls

A significant human trafficking investigation is underway in Iceland, focusing on a man who has been in police custody for a week. The man is suspected of smuggling two underage foreign girls into the country, claiming he was their father, a statement later proven false.

The two girls, both under eighteen, arrived in Iceland on July 4 of last year, stating their purpose was to meet their father, who was not in the country at that time. Initially described as having been granted residence permits as the children of an Icelander, investigations revealed that their claimed father was not their biological parent.

Following the arrival of the girls, they were placed in a child welfare facility while law enforcement examined their situation, which indicated they were living inpoor conditions. It was later discovered that one girl is pregnant and the other is HIV-positive, with a young son residing abroad. A DNA test confirmed that the man is not the biological father of the girls.

The police suspect that the man operated with intent to deceive Icelandic authorities to secure residency permits under false pretenses, potentially exploiting the situation for human trafficking. Furthermore, there are indications that he may not be acting alone and that others could be involved.

The gravity of the allegations prompted authorities to justify the man’s continued detention, emphasizing the extensive nature of the investigation, which includes charges of human trafficking, document forgery, and possible violations of immigration laws. The District Court and the Court of Appeal have approved his detention until further notice.