More than 800 suspected child traffickers arrested in China

Chinese police conducted raids against two suspected child-trafficking gangs, arresting 802 people and freeing 181 children, the government said.

More than 10,000 police officers took part in Monday’s raids across 15 regions, the Public Security Ministry said online.

Among those arrested was Shao Zhongyuan, a top suspect wanted in connection with a ring thought to have trafficked more than 100 children.

About 8,000 children were recovered by police last year after being abducted or sold by their parents, state media has reported.

Trafficked children in China are bought for adoption by childless couples or for labour, such as household servants. Some observers said the country’s one-child policy feeds the demand.

Chinese law lays down strict penalties for child trafficking, including death.