Guatemalan adoptions linked to baby selling

updated 4:01 p.m. ET May 7, 2008

GUATEMALA CITY - A Guatemalan congressman's sister was charged with human trafficking after police found nine children in her home awaiting illegal adoption, authorities said.

Lawmaker Gudy Rivera Estrada said he hasn't seen his sister in three years and won't "lift a finger to help her."

Rosalina Rivera Estrada was arrested Tuesday and could face 12 years in prison.

The children were between 7 months and 1 year old. Attorney General Baudilio Portillo said Wednesday the children were placed in temporary homes while police investigate.

Guatemala has been the No. 2 source of adopted babies to U.S. parents after China, but the system is plagued with corruption.

The government on Monday froze for review 2,286 pending foreign adoptions.

More from msnbc.com World Blog: From Russia, with (family) love First Read: Economic plans struggle with math Want to double weight loss? Keep a food diary Avoid brain drain with these memory-boosting foods Video: Moscow's nuclear nightspot Veepstakes: Pick running mates for McCain, Obama

MORE FROM AMERICAS

Americas Section Front

U.S. played quiet role in Colombia ruse Quake rocks Peru's second-biggest city 46 die when truck plunges off Bolivia cliff Chile's Operation Last Chance for 'Dr. Death' Police chief ousted after deadly raid Argentine glacier calves — during winter Is U.N. help enough for butterfly refuge? Ecuador seizes TV stations, 200 businesses Americas Section Front   Add Americas headlines to your news reader: