With several controversies arising about in-app purchases, a Chinese couple has done the most unthinkable by selling their sons to buy in-app items.

An unmarried couple, A Hui and A Mei, severely addicted to online games were accused of selling their sons and were arrested. In an interview to the Guangdong TV, they revealed that they chose to sell their sons to child traffickers to be relieved of the financial burden of supporting their children. A Hui said A Mei is fond of playing online games and likes to buy game items.

As he could not give up his in-app purchases, he was not able to support his first son and they sold him to Fujian-based child traffickers. When the wife A Mei bore another son, they felt they would not be able to support their second child too. As they were both more interested in buying in-app items, they again sold him to the traffickers.

While China is strewn with child traffickers and the country is battling this problem, thousands of people are affected by trafficking every year. Several children are sold to street peddlers, street gangs and to couples from other countries who want to adopt Chinese children.

Though China has ruled child trafficking as highly illegal and executes those who are accused of the crime, several traffickers seem to get away with the act. A Hui’s father complained to the police when he came to know what the couple was doing to their children.

A Hui and A Mei are awaiting trial in the detention centre and will be sentenced soon for the crime.