Baby in eBay auction

Authorities in southern Germany say they have taken custody of a 7-month-old boy after his parents posted an advertisement on eBay offering to sell him for ¬1 ($2).

Police in the Bavarian town of Krumbach said the baby was placed in the care of youth services in the southwestern Allgaeu region, although the child's 23-year-old mother insisted the ad was only a joke.

Authorities have launched an investigation into possible child trafficking against the baby's mother and 24-year-old father.

"Offering my nearly new baby for sale, as it has gotten too loud," police quoted the advertisement as reading. No offers were made.