The Romanian gang leaders were charged with offences of human trafficking, as well as money laundering and criminal association. The 20-strong gang, all settled members of the Roma community, had exploited its children by sending them into the Paris Metro system to steal from commuters and tourists, the court heard. Groups of children aged from 11 to 18, stole travellers' phones and wallets, most often on the Metro stairs. Pickpocketing has long been a problem on the Paris Metro, with tourists often the targets. READ ALSO The techniques used by the Paris Metro pickpocket gangs

Source: The Local October 23, 2019 07:18 UTC