MEXICO CITY - Mexican prosecutors say they have rescued 15 children who were forced to work as vendors or beggars in the Baja California resort of Cabo San Lucas.

The youngsters were allegedly posted outside bars and restaurants late at night, where they begged tourists for money or offered trinkets for sale.

The Attorney General's Office said in a statement Tuesday that it arrested nine women who exploited the children and made money off them. It was unclear if the women were related to the children.

The children were referred to child welfare agencies for care.

It is not illegal in Mexico for children to beg, but it is illegal for adults to keep the money they make.