A court in Ndola, Zambia today dismissed charges against Croatian nationals for child trafficking and they must leave the country within 48 hours, the Croatian Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs confirmed.

Four couples from Croatia were arrested at the beginning of December at the airport in Ndola, the third largest city in Zambia, on suspicion of human trafficking, that is, on suspicion of the validity of the documents for the adoption of minor children from the DR Congo.

They are accused of attempted human trafficking and falsification of documents. Two weeks ago, they were released from custody to defend themselves after fulfilling all the conditions set by the court. After the charges were dismissed, the eight Croats must leave Zambia within 48 hours.

"During the return to Croatia, as well as during the entire procedure so far, the competent authorities will provide Croatian citizens with all the necessary assistance," the Croatian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement.

It is not yet known what will happen to the children that the four couples adopted, which were taken from them after the indictment was filed.

Eight Croatians arrested in Africa in a scandal involving the illegal adoption of children who received Croatian documents