9-year-old French boy found locked in father's van since 2024, malnourished

A 9-year-old boy has been rescued after being locked inside his father’s utility van in eastern France since 2024, in a shocking case revealed by authorities. The child, who was found severely malnourished and unable to walk, has been hospitalised, while his father has been detained.

Police were alerted by a neighbour who reported hearing the “sounds of a child” coming from a van on Monday in the village of Hagenbach, located near the borders with Switzerland and Germany. According to prosecutor Nicolas Heitz, officers forced the van open and discovered the boy “lying in a fetal position, naked, covered by a blanket on top of a mound of trash and near excrement.”

Authorities said the child was clearly malnourished and could no longer walk after being confined in a seated position for an extended period. He was immediately taken to a hospital for treatment.

During questioning, the boy’s father told investigators that he had placed the child in the van in November 2024 “to protect him,” claiming his partner wanted to send the then 7-year-old to a psychiatric hospital. However, prosecutor Heitz said there is no medical record indicating the boy had any psychiatric issues prior to his disappearance, adding that he had performed well in school.

The child told investigators he had “big difficulties” with his father’s partner and believed his father “had no choice” but to lock him up. He also said he had not showered since 2024.

The father has been handed preliminary kidnapping and other charges and remains in custody. His partner denied knowing the boy was being kept in the van but has been charged with failure to help a minor in danger. She has been released under judicial supervision.

Residents of Hagenbach expressed shock over the incident, telling The Associated Press they were unaware of the boy’s situation and declined to discuss further details. The prosecutor also declined additional comment as the investigation continues.

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