The investigation, initiated in April 2025 and coordinated with the French police, allowed them to locate the minor, her mother, and grandmother in late March 2026 in the municipality of Selva. Finally, on March 31, officers found them in the Fenals area.

According to police sources, the girl was living in a vulnerable situation, as she had not been schooled since leaving France and resided with her mother and grandmother in an occupied dwelling, lacking basic utilities such as electricity and water.

The search was activated after French justice issued European arrest warrants against the mother and grandmother for an alleged crime of child abduction, following a complaint filed by the father. The mother had lost custody and had repeatedly failed to comply with visitation rights.

Once the minor's identity was confirmed, she was placed under the guardianship of the General Directorate for the Prevention and Protection of Children and Adolescents, which has taken charge to ensure her protection until her return to France. The mother and grandmother were arrested in compliance with international judicial orders.