Two cousins from Barßel, in the Cloppenburg district, have been found safe in Luxembourg, according to police reports released on February 25, 2026. The boys, ages nine and ten, were located with a 30-year-classic relative.
Police stated the two boys were taken into custody in Luxembourg on Wednesday afternoon. The Staatsanwaltschaft Oldenburg (Oldenburg Public Prosecutor’s Office) has initiated an investigation into the family member on suspicion of child abduction. Authorities are currently investigating how the children traveled from Barßel to Luxembourg and whether any other individuals were involved. A large-scale search had been underway since the night of Tuesday, February 24th.
Cousins Were Missing Since Monday
The reason the boys disappeared on Monday while on their way to football training and were taken abroad remains unclear. Police stated they will soon be returned to Barßel, with arrangements being made in close coordination with relevant authorities. The cousins have been living in a care home in Barßel since 2025, having arrived in Germany from Afghanistan years prior. According to police, efforts to reunite them with their parents in Afghanistan have so far been unsuccessful.
24.02.2026 10:29 Uhr
Note from the editors: A previous version of this story stated the missing children were brothers. This is incorrect – they are cousins. We have corrected the relevant sections.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to the two missing children?
The two cousins from Barßel were found safe in Luxembourg with a 30-year-old relative. Police have initiated an investigation into the relative.
Where were the children found?
The children were found in Luxembourg on Wednesday afternoon.
Where had the children been living before they went missing?
The cousins had been living in a care home in Barßel since 2025, after arriving in Germany from Afghanistan.
What questions remain unanswered about the circumstances surrounding the children’s disappearance and journey to Luxembourg?
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