Crimes against children are often committed quietly - within the family, among people whom the child trusts. Such facts have been uncovered by law enforcement in the Zaporizhia region.

At the request of the Attorney General, prosecutors in Zaporizhia have intensified their response to violations of children's rights. 

Since the beginning of 2026, under proper prosecutorial intervention, individuals who committed crimes against children with whom the suspects had familial or trust relationships have been exposed in the Zaporizhia region.

One of the most high-profile cases involved a local resident who attempted to sell her own minor daughter. Under the procedural guidance of juvenile prosecutors, she was informed of the suspicion of human trafficking (part 3 of Article 149 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine) and the illegal acquisition and storage of psychotropic substances without the intent to sell (part 1 of Article 309 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine).

According to the investigation, the woman decided to hand over the child to third parties for monetary reward and other material benefits. Effectively distancing herself from her parental responsibilities, she issued a so-called "power of attorney for the management of the child" and, as early as August 2025, transferred her daughter to a resident of Uzhhorod.

During investigative actions, the child was immediately removed. She is currently under the supervision of medical professionals and social service specialists. Measures are being taken to determine a legal representative from the guardianship and custody authority.

It should also be noted that in 2025, this same woman had an older minor child taken away without the deprivation of parental rights, who is now under the care of another family.

The court has chosen a preventive measure in the form of house arrest for the suspect. At the same time, disagreeing with this decision, juvenile prosecutors filed an appeal, insisting on the application of a preventive measure in the form of detention.

In addition, prosecutors have informed of suspicions against:

• a resident of Matviyivska OTG who raped his underage stepdaughter (part 3 of Article 152 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine);

• a resident of Mykhailivska OTG who committed violent sexual acts against a minor child under the care of his wife (part 4 of Article 153 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine);

• a resident of the city of Zaporizhia who, for several years, committed sexual and immoral acts against his own minor daughter, and later raped the child, taking advantage of her helpless state (part 6 of Article 152, part 2 of Article 156 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine).

The court has chosen a preventive measure in the form of house arrest for the suspect. At the same time, disagreeing with this decision, juvenile prosecutors filed an appeal, insisting on the application of a preventive measure in the form of detention.

The prosecution is focused on the real protection of children's rights and ensuring the inevitability of responsibility for anyone who infringes on their safety, dignity, and life. Any crime against a child is a crime against humanity, which has no justification and will never have any!

Note: according to Article 62 of the Constitution of Ukraine, a person is presumed innocent of committing a crime and cannot be subjected to criminal punishment until their guilt is proven in a lawful manner and established by a guilty verdict of the court.