As many as 200,000 boys and girls are kidnapped in China every year and sold openly online , it ’ s been reported . Child trafficking has been a long-standing problem in China , but despite the efforts of the authorities , the sinister practice is thriving , leading to thousands of families being torn apart . The US State Department believes that 20,000 children are snatched every year – that ’ s 400 a week . Scroll down for video . As many as 200,000 boys and girls are kidnapped in China every year and sold openly online , it ’ s been reported . However , Chinese state media says the figure could be as high as 200,000 , according to the BBC . Baby boys , who are preferred in China because they ’ ll ensure the family name remains intact , can sell for as much as £10,500 . In a bid to evade the spotlight of the police , child traffickers in recent years have turned to the internet to do their selling . Last year hundreds of babies were 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 . Baby boys , who are preferred in China because they ’ ll ensure the family name remains intact , can sell for as much as £10,500 . Some critics say the trade is fuelled by the country ’ s one-child policy . 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 - typically fetching half the amount boys do - aborted or abandoned . Poverty fuels the trade , while illicit profits tempts traffickers , resulting in a thriving market for babies and toddlers . An investigation by the BBC revealed the plight of one father , Xiao Chaohua , who has not seen his son since February 2007 after he disappeared from their home in Huizhou , aged five . Since then Mr Chaohua has scoured the nation and even taken out TV adverts in an effort to find him , but to no avail . He claims that the problem of trafficking can only be eradicated if tougher laws are brought in to punish those to buy kidnapped children . Presently , they face a three-year jail term if caught , but it ’ s claimed that many never find themselves in trouble over their actions .
Child trafficking a long-standing problem in China despite efforts of police . Some critics say the trade is fuelled by the country ’ s one-child policy . Boys continue the family name , leading to females being sold off . Many babies sold online by traffickers under the guise of adoption .