A plastic surgeon admitted to selling the head of a human specimen on WeChat for “scientific studies and practices.” The surgeon acknowledged the transaction after publishing a post that priced a human head with clear, red vessels but no bones or muscles at 21,000 RMB.

The surgeon, also the owner of a beauty parlor, wrote on his WeChat moments that the specimen was made by an anatomy lecturer in 2015.

“I am here to help him sell the specimen. One is priced at 21,000 RMB. The one with pure bones is 8,000 RMB. Doctors who need it can contact me. It will help with surgeries and injection!” wrote the man, surnamed Ma.

Ma also explained that this kind of specimen is naturally eroded, as the flesh was consumed by maggots and parasites. The process lasts for up to a year.

“Usually just one out of every three or even five comes out okay," he said, referring to the heads. "Two came out this time.”

The rarely-seen “product,” with its frightening appearance, quickly drew attention. Many raised doubts as to whether it was against the law to sell corpses in this way.

China’s regulation of human organ transplantation bans the sale of human organs, but it does not apply to specimens made out of human corpses. For such specimens, local regulations prohibit the trade of donated corpses or body parts, Beijing-based newspaper The Mirror reported.

In an exclusive interview with The Mirror, Ma said there is no law forbidding the trade of specimens. It is also common practice for hospitals and scientific institutes to make purchases from specimen companies.

“I do hope to see clear regulations on such trade so we know how to buy specimens for our work. I know very well, as a doctor, that many specimens are donated by people before they pass away. I mourn for them always. I believe any doctor with a conscience would not try to make a profit from such specimens,” Ma said.