Chinese parents 'sold children to pay for virtual in-game purchases'

Father 'likes buying items in online games' said mother

(Guangdong TV)

A couple in China stand accused of selling their two children to human traffickers to fund their online gaming addiction.

Guangdong TV reported that the pair had not planned to have their two sons and simply chose to sell them into slavery in Fujian, with child trafficking remaining a big problem in the country.

In an interview, the mother explained that they needed the money because the father "likes buying items in online games, and he likes staying out all night at internet cafes."

Free-to-play games are all the rage in China, according to Games In Asia, but gamers often shell out a small fortune for in-game items like weapons, clothing and armor.

The grandfather of the children eventually reported the parents to the police, who are now awaiting trial.