China busts four baby trafficking rings

China’s Public Security Ministry said it has rescued 382 abducted babies and arrested 1,094 suspects after busting four major internet-based baby trafficking rings.

The ministry said it carried out a national operation after police in Beijing and the eastern province of Jiangsu found four websites selling babies under the cover of adoption.

Child abduction is a major problem in China. Strict laws limiting many families to one child, a traditional preference for boys, poverty and illicit profits drive a thriving market in babies and children.

The ministry said internet technologies have helped baby traffickers by providing more secretive covers for their businesses.