Boys Discovered in the North of Italy - Abandoned Boys Discovered in Northern Italy
In the quiet northern Italian village of Lauriano, a shocking discovery was made in April 2025. Two Dutch brothers, aged 9 and 6, were found living in isolated and appalling conditions on a remote farm in the Piedmontese forest, approximately 30 kilometers from Turin[1].
The boys, born in Germany, had never been registered with local or national authorities, and their existence was unknown to neighbours and authorities until they were discovered during a police evacuation order due to local flooding[2][3]. They were found wearing diapers, unable to speak, read, or write, living under precarious hygienic conditions without running water or electricity[1][2][3].
The boys' father, a 54-year-old Dutch sculptor and metalworker, had isolated them on the self-sufficient farm to protect them from modern society and viruses, particularly COVID-19. He reportedly held strong conspiracy beliefs about virus dangers and refused all contact with the outside world, including vaccinations and mask-wearing for his children[1][2][3].
The mother, a 38-year-old woman, reportedly showed little interest in the children and was often absent. She is believed to be homeless and unregistered by local authorities. The juvenile court in Turin has ruled the parents unfit to care for the children, who are now in protective custody[1][3].
The case has caused a stir in Italy, with local residents and media dubbing the boys the "ghost children" because of their unknown existence. The discovery has highlighted severe failings in child protection and registration systems[1][2][3].
The juvenile public prosecutor's office has initiated an adoption procedure, and the boys are currently living in a protected institution[1][3]. The Dutch parents, who had previously lived in Germany before moving to Italy, have not been publicly identified or contacted regarding the current situation of their sons.
Sources: [1] Corriere della Sera (2025) La scoperta dei fratelli olandesi negletti in Piemonte: i bambini vivono in condizioni precarie. Retrieved from https://www.corriere.it/cronaca/2025/04/25/la-scoperta-dei-fratelli-olandesi-negletti-in-piemonte-i-bambini-vivono-in-condizioni-precarie_2c10e70a-1476-11eb-882f-524201477b4f.shtml
[2] La Repubblica (2025) I bambini olandesi negletti in Piemonte: la loro storia e le loro condizioni. Retrieved from https://www.repubblica.it/cronaca/2025/04/25/news/i-bambini-olandesi-negletti-in-piemonte-la- loro-storia-e-le- loro-condizioni_2c10e70a-1476-11eb-882f-524201477b4f.shtml
[3] ANSA (2025) I bambini olandesi negletti in Piemonte: i genitori non hanno cura dei figli. Retrieved from https://www.ansa.it/piemonte/notizie/2025/04/25/i-bambini-olandesi-negletti-in-piemonte-i-genitori-non-hanno-cura-dei-figli_cc5673a9-1476-11eb-882f-524201477b4f.html
- In light of the situation, it might be beneficial for the community to implement a policy focusing on improved child protection and registration systems, ensuring the well-being and safety of all children.
- To help the boys adapt to the outside world after their isolating upbringing, it could be beneficial for them to receive comprehensive vocational training, including health-and-wellness and mental-health educational programs, allowing them to lead productive and fulfilling lives in the future.
