Two Missing Children Found in Luxembourg, Uncle Under Investigation
Two young cousins who went missing in Germany have been found safe in Luxembourg, authorities announced on Thursday, February 26, 2026. The children, aged nine and ten, were located after appearing at an immigration office in Luxembourg with their 30-year-old uncle, who is now under investigation for suspected abduction.
Search and Discovery
A large-scale search was launched on Tuesday night after the boys disappeared while on their way to soccer training in Barßel, Cloppenburg district. According to a spokesperson for the Cloppenburg district, two youth welfare workers familiar with the children traveled to Luxembourg on Thursday morning to bring them back to Germany. This operation was coordinated with the police and youth welfare office.
Investigation Underway
The children were found after they and their uncle appeared at an immigration office in Luxembourg. When authorities entered the boys’ names into the system, they discovered the international warrant for their return. The uncle, a French national, is being investigated by the Oldenburg public prosecutor’s office on suspicion of abducting minors. Investigators are currently determining if he picked up the children in the Cloppenburg district.
Legal Procedures and Potential Penalties
Abducting minors carries a potential penalty ranging from a fine to five years in prison. However, the investigation will be complex, requiring a European request for legal assistance to both France and Luxembourg. This involves contacting authorities in both countries to facilitate a cross-border investigation.
Background of the Case
The boys, who are cousins, have been living in a residential group in Barßel since 2025. They originally came to Germany from Afghanistan several years ago and were placed in the care of the Cloppenburg district. Reunification with their parents in Afghanistan has not yet been possible. The reason for their disappearance and subsequent travel to Luxembourg remains unclear.
Correction
Editor’s Note: An earlier version of this article incorrectly stated that the missing children were brothers. They are, in fact, cousins. The article has been updated to reflect this correction.