Dominic and Abby Maryk, seen here in a photo before their 2008 disappearance, were found safe in Mexico this week.

Dominic and Abby Maryk, 7 and 6 years old when they went missing from their mother in Winnipeg, Canada, were found safe in Guadalajara after someone watching their story on Mexican TV recognized them, according to CTV News.

"He saw them and said, 'Wow! I know those kids. They are my neighbors.' He reported them to the army, and no one would listen to him," private investigator Wilhelm von Mayer told the station.

But Mayer, who worked with the Find Foundation in Louisiana, did listen and followed up on the tip.

The two children were reportedly held "under lock and key" by their father, Kevin Maryk, since their August 2008 disappearance, Mayer said.

Canadian authorities issued an arrest warrant in 2008 for Kevin Maryk and two other men, CBC News reported. Kevin Maryk is accused of abduction.

Police in Canada wouldn't confirm the details, but told news stations that there were "significant developments" in the case last week.

The Maryk children are reportedly on their way home to their custodial mother, Emily Cablek.

Source: huffingtonpost.com