Fujian, China — In a shocking case that has stirred widespread outrage across Chinese social media, a 26-year-old woman from mainland China has been sentenced to five years and two months in prison after selling her two biological sons to fund her obsession with tipping live stream hosts.
Authorities revealed that the woman, born in 1999, came from a poor background in Guangxi Province and had only completed elementary school. She moved to Fujian as a teenager to do odd jobs in order to survive. During this time, she entered multiple casual relationships and became pregnant. With no one willing to take responsibility and no means to afford an abortion, she carried the pregnancy to term.
Unable to raise the child, she was introduced—through her landlord—to a couple looking to adopt. She sold her first son in 2020 for 45,000 yuan (approximately NT$181,000). However, rather than using the money for stability or self-improvement, she spent the entire amount on virtual tips for a live stream host she was enamored with.
Driven by the desire to obtain more funds for tipping, the woman reportedly became pregnant a second time deliberately, this time seeking out potential buyers herself. She gave birth and sold her second son for 38,000 yuan (approximately NT$153,000) later the same year.
The case came to light after the woman was arrested on unrelated fraud charges. Upon examining her phone, police discovered messages and records related to child trafficking. Further investigation confirmed both illegal sales, prompting her formal indictment for fraud and human trafficking.
Authorities have since located and rescued both children. They are now under the care of a local children’s welfare institution and are awaiting legal adoption by qualified families.
The disturbing case has ignited heated discussions online, with many netizens expressing disbelief and anger over how digital addiction—combined with poverty and lack of education—led to such extreme actions. Calls have been renewed for stronger regulation of live streaming platforms and for improved support systems for vulnerable women and children.
