Although the abduction alert has been lifted, the child is still missing

Santiago abduction: An urgent appeal to find a newborn baby in danger

An infant abducted in worrying circumstances

Santiago, only 17 days old, was abducted from the maternity ward of the Robert Ballanger hospital in Aulnay-sous-Bois, Seine-Saint-Denis, on Monday 21 October. His state of health is a cause for concern, as he is a very premature baby born almost two months prematurely and required constant medical supervision. His parents, aged 23 and 25, are now suspects in the case. The authorities are warning that the infant faces a ‘significant’ life-threatening risk, particularly due to his urgent need for medical attention.

The circumstances of the abduction

The abduction took place between 11pm and 11.30pm, when medical teams noticed that Santiago’s heart sensors had been disconnected. At the time, the infant was wearing a 6-month-old brown t-shirt and thick white velvet pyjamas. The authorities believe that after 12 hours without care, Santiago’s health could deteriorate seriously.

Abduction alert quickly lifted

The ‘abduction alert’ plan was activated on Tuesday 22 October in the hope of finding the baby. However, the alert was lifted at around 6.50pm, following a decision by the Bobigny public prosecutor’s office. Despite this, the search continues unabated.

Parents known to the law

Santiago’s parents, who are already known to the judicial authorities, are causing concern among investigators. The mother, aged 25, was wearing a white jumper, a light blue sleeveless jacket and a green skirt, while the father, aged 23, was wearing dark jeans and a white t-shirt. They left the hospital with a black bag, possibly in a light-coloured vehicle, accompanied by three other individuals.

According to investigators, CCTV cameras confirmed this escape. An investigation warrant has been issued to follow their tracks, particularly abroad.

International leads

The search is now focusing on Belgium, where the couple may have fled with Santiago. A European investigation order has been sent to the Belgian judicial authorities, while cooperation between the two countries’ police forces is being stepped up to find the infant.

Arrests and investigations underway

Five members of the parents’ family have been arrested in the Livry-Gargan area. They are currently in police custody and being questioned to determine whether they have any information about the whereabouts of Santiago and his parents.

Understanding the abduction alert in France

In France, the abduction alert system, introduced in 2006, is designed to mobilise the public in the event of the confirmed abduction of a minor child. The criteria for triggering an alert are strict: the victim must be a minor, the abduction must be proven, and the child’s life or integrity must be in danger, with information enabling him or her to be located. This is the 30th time that this system has been activated since its inception.

The authorities are asking anyone with information about the infant not to intervene directly, but to contact 197 immediately or send an e-mail to the address provided: pppj.alerte.enlevement@interieur.gouv.fr.