Baby-selling scheme uncovered in Costa Rica

SAN JOSE, Costa Rica — Costa Rican police detained 14 people today, including a family court judge and a lawyer, on suspicion of participating in a scheme in which mothers allegedly were paid to give up their babies.

Police estimated that Costa Rican adoptive parents may have paid the group an average of $10,000 per child. There was no immediate evidence that any of the babies were sent abroad, but police said investigations are continuing.

The case involves at least three babies who changed hands since 2006, but police suspect there may be more. The ring allegedly targeted birth mothers in financial need, police said.

"We have evidence of the sale of a child, who perhaps went to a family enthused to have a baby," said police director Jorge Rojas. "But this trafficking is prohibited by law. Even though it was a direct deal, in which the mother handed over the child, it was in exchange for money."

Two social workers were also detained. No formal charges have been filed in the case.

The judge allegedly signed adoption papers, apparently in return for a portion of the price paid by the adoptive parents, investigators said. The detained lawyer was the alleged mastermind, and the social workers may have channeled needy mothers into the ring, investigators added.

Police found photos of 4,000 children at the home of one of the detained women.