(May 24, 2008)--Authorities in southern Germany have taken custody of a 7-month-old boy after his parents posted an ad on eBay offering to sell him for about $1.60.
Police say the baby was placed in the care of local youth services.
Police say the mother told them the Internet ad was only a joke, but authorities have begun an investigation into possible child trafficking against the parents.
The ad was posted for two hours and 30 minutes, and no offers were made for the child.
The Internet auction site deleted the posting later.
Several people who saw the ad alerted police.