A 21-year-old woman and her 38-year-old partner were arrested in Mykolaiv, Ukraine, after allegedly selling their newborn baby for $10,000 one day after birth
Ukrainian Couple Arrested for Allegedly Selling Newborn
A Ukrainian woman, 21, and her 38-year-old partner were arrested in Mykolaiv after allegedly selling their newborn for $10,000. Authorities say the baby is under state protection.
Details of the Arrest
The couple has been charged with attempted human trafficking. They tried to sell their newborn for $10,000 in Mykolaiv, Ukraine.
Authorities arrested the pair moments after they allegedly handed over the baby and received the money. This occurred in the south of Ukraine.
Investigation Findings
According to Ukraine’s National Police, the 21-year-old mother and her 38-year-old partner, identified as the baby’s father, intended to use the money for their personal needs.
Investigators believe the couple began looking for buyers while the mother was still pregnant. They agreed to hand over the baby girl after her birth.
Police Surveillance and Operation
Police became aware of the suspected plot early and placed the case under surveillance. They opened a trafficking investigation.
Under controlled conditions, officers allowed the suspects to meet with a prospective buyer, who provided an initial payment.
Final Handover and Arrest
The Prosecutor General’s Office reported that the final handover occurred on January 2, 2026, just a day after the child’s birth.
Once the baby was passed over and the rest of the cash was received, officers apprehended the couple near the maternity facility.
Legal Proceedings
Video released by the National Police shows law enforcement detaining the suspects and taking the infant into protective care.
Both individuals have been formally served with suspicion under Article 149, Part 3 of Ukraine’s Criminal Code, which relates to human trafficking offences.
A court has placed them in pre-trial detention, with the possibility of release on bail.
Involvement of Authorities
Officials said the operation involved migration police, criminal investigators, analysts, and a special-purpose unit in the Mykolaiv region.
Authorities have not disclosed details about the baby’s condition but confirmed the child is now under state guardianship.
Under Ukrainian law, the suspects are regarded as innocent unless a court finds them guilty.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Arrest Location | Mykolaiv, Ukraine |
| Mother’s Age | 21 |
| Partner’s Age | 38 |
| Alleged Sale Price | $10,000 |
| Date of Handover | January 2, 2026 |
| Legal Charge | Attempted human trafficking |
