Portugal court convicts three in baby trafficking scheme

A Portuguese court has convicted three individuals for human trafficking following a scheme to sell a newborn baby for 2,500 euros. The transaction was arranged through a Facebook group dedicated to clandestine adoptions.

The biological mother, who had previously advertised her willingness to generate children for money while living in Brazil, gave birth at her residence in Gondomar in January 2024 without medical assistance. Following the birth, she and a couple conspired to falsely register the man in the couple as the biological father to facilitate a legal adoption.

The scheme was uncovered at a hospital after medical staff raised suspicions regarding the relationship between the mother and the couple. DNA testing confirmed that the biological father was actually the mother's partner.

The biological mother was sentenced to 21 months in prison and ordered to be expelled from the country. The couple received suspended sentences of 12 and 18 months, respectively.