China organ donors sell online

Mainland Internet sites are being used to auction human organs, with kidneys from live donors fetching at least 300,000 yuan (HK$278,000).

A search of popular site auctions.163.com revealed the names of several potential donors offering organs for sale.

A phone call to a Mr Huang, who is advertising one of his kidneys for $300,000, confirmed the advertisement was genuine. 'I am heavily in debt so I need the money,' he said speaking on his mobile phone from Jiande, Zhejiang province. 'The exact price is negotiable and I accept only cash, no cheques.' The only other condition he gave was that the operation be done in his home province.

Another advertiser is demanding 500,000 yuan for a kidney. He places no restriction on where the operation takes place but requires full coverage of his medical expenses. No phone number is provided.

A recent article in the Guangzhou-based Yangcheng Evening News reported that other electronic auctions had been used to sell organs including bone marrow and eye corneas. The trend began this year and some kidney sellers have attracted as many as five or six inquiries.

There are often poignant tales behind the adverts. One concerned a condemned prisoner in Henan province who in May offered to sell any of his organs to the highest bidder.