An albino baby, abducted on Ascension Day in Betroka, has died in the hands of his kidnappers. Fifteen suspects were arrested during an operation ordered by the Presidency.
Fifteen individuals suspected of involvement in albino trafficking were captured in the districts of Betroka and Ihosy and subsequently transferred to Antananarivo, according to information released yesterday by the Presidency.
Among them are a teacher, a doctor, and individuals identified as the primary perpetrators. The Presidential Security Forces, supported by the gendarmerie, police, and army, conducted the operation under the orders of the President of the Republic.
Investigators revealed that the kidnappers planned to sell the albino baby for 400 million ariary. A gendarme identified as Chief Donné allegedly acted as an intermediary for a supposed buyer based in Antananarivo. The suspects claim they never met this gendarme in person, as communication was conducted solely by phone. Driven by this promise, they abducted the eight-month-old infant on May 14 in Betroka, killing his father who attempted to intervene.
During his captivity, the child was moved from village to village and then taken into the mountains, awaiting a buyer who never appeared. One suspect stated that the child was vigorous and eating well, but eventually fell ill due to the cold. Despite the intervention of a doctor, he passed away two weeks ago.
Following his death, the teacher involved in the group allegedly ordered the child’s skull to be opened to extract his eyes. These were reportedly placed in bags and stored in a box containing charcoal, while the body was buried with his personal belongings.
Another suspect explained that he acted out of economic desperation, unable to provide for his family. He claimed to have been manipulated by promises of money that never materialized.
Law enforcement recovered the mutilated body thanks to information provided by the alleged kidnappers and gave him a dignified burial. Investigations are ongoing, as two other albino children are reportedly still being held by accomplices who are currently at large. Tracking operations continue in both districts.
Captured & Published at: 2026-08-05 05:54:23 (Madagascar Local Time EAT)
Original Source: https://www.lexpress.mg/2026/08/enlevement-dun-bebe-albinos-les.html