Chinese police have busted four major online baby-trafficking groups and saved 382 babies this month, said the ministry of public security.

A total of 1,094 suspects were arrested across the country in a joint operation on Feb 19, news agencies reported citing the ministry on Friday.

These groups are accused of trading babies by establishing illegal online platforms and shops under the name of adoption or re-homing centres.

Criminals have turned to the internet for human trafficking in recent years, which brings difficulties during investigation, police said.