Two French Children Found Safe After Being Abandoned in Portugal Forest

Two young French brothers, aged three and five, were found safe in Portugal after allegedly being abandoned in a forest by their mother and stepfather during what investigators describe as a disturbing “treasure hunt” game that turned into a child abandonment case.

The children were discovered near a rural road in Monte Novo do Sul after being left alone with backpacks containing food, water, and clothes. Passersby found the boys crying and confused, and immediately alerted authorities. The children later identified their mother from photographs provided by police.

According to reports, the boys were allegedly taken from their home in France and driven across borders through Spain into Portugal. Investigators say the children were blindfolded during part of the journey and told they were taking part in a game to find a hidden “treasure.” They were later left alone in a wooded area, where they wandered before being rescued.

Portuguese police launched a manhunt after the discovery, and both the mother and stepfather were arrested days later in central Portugal. Authorities say the suspects were located in a café and taken into custody without resistance. The children have since been placed under state care and are reported to be in stable condition.

The case has shocked both France and Portugal, with investigators treating it as a serious child endangerment and international abduction-related incident. French authorities have also joined the investigation, working alongside Portuguese police to determine how the children were moved across multiple borders without intervention.

Officials say the investigation is ongoing, and further charges could be added depending on findings regarding intent and custody arrangements. The situation has also raised broader concerns about child protection systems across Europe, especially in cross-border family disputes.

Child welfare experts have described the case as deeply disturbing, emphasizing the psychological harm caused by abandonment disguised as a game. While authorities continue legal proceedings, the focus remains on the recovery and care of the two children, who are now receiving psychological support after the traumatic experience.