Clan leader in Paris sentenced to eight years over child pickpocketing gangs
Roberto Hamidovic, 48, ran network of thieves who targeted tourists in Paris Métro and Disneyland
TL;DR
- Roberto Hamidovic, 48, jailed for human trafficking for running a child pickpocketing ring in Paris.
- The gang, primarily young girls, targeted tourists in the Paris Métro and Disneyland Paris.
- The network reportedly made an average of €25,000 per day, with profits funding a life of luxury for adult members.
- Children who failed to meet profit targets faced severe physical and sexual abuse.
- Seven members of the Hamidovic clan were tried for various offenses including human trafficking and organised theft.
- Hamidovic received the maximum eight-year sentence and a €500,000 fine; his wife and other relatives also received prison sentences.
- The clan has a history of criminal activity, with Hamidovic's uncle previously jailed for people trafficking.
- Minors were allegedly instructed to claim to be 12 years old to avoid criminal responsibility.
- The prosecution highlighted a cycle of exploitation, where victims become perpetrators across generations.
- Sentences were intended to be severe, including extradition and bans from France, to combat the long-standing criminal enterprise.