One of those arrested was a mayor.
Italian police have arrested 18 people for allegedly brainwashing vulnerable children into thinking their parents had abused them so they could then be sold to foster parents.
Those arrested include a mayor, doctors and social workers, according to The Guardian.
Police in Reggio Emilia made the arrests after a year-long investigation into the carers, who used various methods to make children believe they had been sexually abused.
The children were then given to foster parents in exchange for money.
La Repubblica said the network tried to “pass off as a model welfare system for abused minors what was in reality an illegal business to the children’s detriment”.
“These accusations, if confirmed, are frightening and shocking,” Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte is reported to have said.
Police have not revealed how many children were involved, or the age range of the children.
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