A man and woman in China were in court on Friday, defending allegations they sold their baby girl to go on a shopping spree that included the purchase of an iPhone and top-of-the-line footwear.
The Telegraph reported that the couple, known only as Mr. Teng and Ms. Zhang, admitted the baby was given to another family — but they claim it was given away not for money.
“We did not give the baby away for money but in order to give it more security” with a family that could provide an education, they said, The Telegraph reported.
The woman gave birth at home, and shortly after began to post an online advertisement for someone to take her daughter. Prosecution in court said their ad stated they would consider parting with the child in exchange for 50,000 yuan — about $8,200. After the baby was born, they delivered her to one of the advertisement responders, prosecutors said. That same day, The Telegraph reported, the couple’s bank account reflected a large cash deposit.
Prosecutors call the transaction a “sinister conspiracy” to sell the baby and say credit card bills from the couple seized after the money was deposited show several purchases: The pair went on an Internet shopping spree that included buys of an iPhone and “high end” luxury trainers, The Telegraph reported, citing court testimony.
Prosecutors also say the sale of the baby was planned far in advance, claiming the woman actually tried to hide her pregnancy and that she told neighbors her baby bump was actually a tumor.
• Cheryl K. Chumley can be reached at cchumley@washingtontimes.com.
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