BANGKOK, Feb. 25 (UPI) -- Bangkok authorities say they arrested several people connected to a Taiwanese-run business that allegedly forced some women to have babies who were later sold.
The company, called Baby 101, advertised itself as a surrogate motherhood service, the BBC reported.
People from China, Burma and Taiwan were among those arrested.
Police said some Vietnamese women were forced to have babies and that the ring came to light after victims appealed to the Vietnamese Embassy.
Officials said some women involved in the operation were not forced to participate.
The women were paid up to $5,000 for each baby, investigators said.
"This is illegal and inhuman. In some cases it looks like they were raped," said Taiwanese Public Health Minister Jurin Laksanawisit.
The company reportedly received orders for babies by e-mail or through agents. Its Web site advertised the good looks and health of the parents, and pictured manicured homes and hospitals with swimming pools and security.
Officials said as many as 14 Vietnamese women were being cared for after the ring was exposed.
"Nine of the women said they had volunteered to work because they were told they would earn $5,000 for each baby. Four said they were tricked," said Maj. Gen. Manu Mekmo, an immigration official.
