Chinese police bust four major baby trafficking rings rescuing 382 abducted infants and arresting nearly 2,000 suspects

Hundreds of babies have been rescued by police in China after a crackdown was launched on trafficking infants.

The nationwide bust saw 1,094 people arrested as officers acted on information relating to four major internet-based baby trafficking rings.

China’s Public Security Ministry said 382 babies were rescued after four websites were found to be selling children under the guise of adoption.

The ministry said the internet has helped baby traffickers, by providing a more secretive cover for the illegal business.

Child abduction and trafficking is widespread in China, where strict population control rules have encouraged the traditional bias for sons.

The strict laws limit many families to one child, and with boys being favoured as heirs to the family name, many female babies are sold, aborted or abandoned.

Poverty fuels the trade, while illicit profits tempts traffickers, resulting in a thriving market for babies and toddlers.