The police raided locations in 11 different provinces following a six-month investigation concluding in early September. The suspected traffickers are believed to have kidnapped children in southwestern China and sold them throughout the country, according to the BBC.
State media did not report how many of the children were male or female. Child trafficking is a growing problem in China, where last year the Ministry of Public Security stated that more than 24,000 abducted women and children were freed.
Reuter reports that a recent spike in trafficking women and children is due to China's one-child policy and a traditional social preference for sons. A rise in sex-selective abortions has created a shortage of females, creating a demand for brides for unmarried sons. Some victims are forced into prostitution.
China has announced intent to punish buyers of trafficked children and parents who sell their children.
