Nuremberg, Germany: Europe and the Arabs

In the German city of Nuremberg, groups of migrants are exploiting vulnerable underage girls. They lure them with gifts and drugs, then force them into prostitution. Police report that this phenomenon occurs mainly around Nelson Mandela Square near the central train station, and in neighborhoods like Südstadt and Seltisepark, areas long known for drug-related crimes. The victims are sometimes as young as 13 and often come from unstable family circumstances.

According to the Dutch news site Newsrechts, this pattern is clear. The men begin by offering affection and gifts, such as clothes and cosmetics, then introduce hard drugs, including methamphetamine. Once the girls become addicted, they receive drugs only in exchange for sex or other favors, pushing some into prostitution. Ten people have been identified so far, mostly of Syrian, Pakistani, and North African origin, according to the Nuremberg newspaper Nürnberger Nachrichten. The Bavarian police have launched a special investigation team called "Eco Kajal," according to the Junge Freiheit newspaper. This team has been working with the public prosecutor's office and other partners since May 18. Their objective is to locate the suspects, obtain arrest warrants, and prepare for potential deportations. Four individuals are under investigation for drug trafficking, supplying drugs to minors, and committing sexual offenses. A 23-year-old Syrian man is currently in custody. Arrest warrants have also been issued for another 22-year-old Syrian man and a 25-year-old stateless man. An 18-year-old Pakistani man is also a suspect.

Police spokesman Andreas Gramlich confirmed the seriousness of the case, stating, "There are suspicions of sexual assault and rape in this context." Gramlich added that the girls "apparently went to the residences voluntarily." Meanwhile, the police are investigating a broader pattern of coercion, abuse, and dependency. He promised that the authorities would "handle the case thoroughly" and "seek to uncover all aspects of unreported crimes."

The Nuremberg Youth Welfare Office is warning of the growing scale of this phenomenon. Two girls have already been placed in care facilities outside Bavaria. Frank Schmidt, deputy head of the Youth Welfare Office, states that problems surrounding main train stations "are not unique to Nuremberg." However, he considers the alleged drug-related prostitution of young girls so openly to be a new phenomenon. Police have not yet been able to identify a clear organized gang structure, but they have observed connections between the suspects.