A “full-scale” investigation has been launched after two German children were secretly flown out of Malta even though they were under a care order.

The two brothers – aged four and two – were being cared for by two German social workers after their mother, Sabrina Albrecht, 30 was charged with abandoning her elder son. The children and their mother who were staying in Marsalforn, had been reported missing in Germany. 

Last week, the two German social workers informed their Maltese counterparts that they were taking the children swimming. However the two brothers were instead taken to the airport and flown to Germany.

The Foundation for Social Welfare Services ordered an investigation which also involves the police.

According to the sources, the German social workers said they acted on a decision by a German court on July 4 ordering the children to be returned home. However, the Maltese authorities are arguing that the Germans had literally abducted the children who were under a care order imposed by a Maltese court.

More details in Times of Malta and the e-paper on timesofmalta.com Premium.

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