BELGIAN and Dutch authorities are investigating claims that a surrogate mother sold her baby over the internet after telling the intended parents that she had had a miscarriage.

A Dutch couple are alleged to have paid €15,000 (£10,300) for the baby, Donna, rather than the €10,000 to cover medical costs agreed between the birth mother and a Flemish couple for whom the child was intended.

Before the birth, the woman allegedly bargained over the internet with two Belgian homosexuals and a couple from the Netherlands, offering the baby for €15,000. The Dutch couple finally “won the auction” and began the process of adopting Donna, who was born on February 26.

Police seized the surrogate mother’s computer as part of an inquiry into alleged human trafficking violations. The woman, from Limburg, northeast Belgium, and her husband are being questioned by Belgian police.

The baby is now the subject of a custody battle between the Dutch and Flemish couples. The latter are claiming custody and have requested a DNA test, saying that the husband is the child’s biological father. However, under Belgian law surrogacy contracts have no legal currency, according to Le Soir newspaper.

The Dutch couple have started an adoption process and say that they have no intention of giving up Donna.

The Dutch Council for the Protection of Children is examining if the correct adoption procedures were followed and if payment had been made.

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