UPDATE: The FCO has confirmed the arrest of a British national in Bangkok on 18 May. His name is Hok Kuen Chow.
A man, reported to be a British national of Taiwanese origin, has been arrested in Bangkok on suspicion of trading in dead babies.
According to AFP, the infants, which were found in luggage, had been roasted and covered in gold. They were destined for Taiwan.
Thai Police discovered the sickening haul, which was intended to be used in a black magic ritual, after a tip-off.
AFP reported that a 28-year-old man admitted to buying the foetuses for 200,000 baht ($6,500). He said he intended to sell them online for a large profit to disturbed individuals.
According to Colonel Wiwat Kamchamnan of the Bangkok police, the man said “he planned to sell the foetuses to clients who believe they will make them lucky and rich".
If found guilty, the accused could face up to a year in prison as well as a stiff fine.
In Thailand, the ritual of removing dead babies from the womb through surgery is known as “Kuman Thong”. The babies are then dry roasted and covered with gold leaf and kept in homes as a good luck charm.
The British Foreign and Commonwealth office told the Huffington Post UK that they are currently investigating the reports, but are not able to confirm the arrested man's name or nationality.
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Pictures of the Day 18 May 2012
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A 19th Century Wild West horse and carriage come London Hackney cab took to the streets of London today to launch new TV Western series Hell on Wheels, which premieres on TCM this Sunday 20th May at 9pm, as Londoners, commuters and tourists were treated to a taxi ride with a difference.Picture date: Thursday May 17, 2012. ÊOnce the original form of the much loved London Hackney Cab, the 19th century horse and carriage was
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A Green-winged Dove chick with his father at the Edinburgh Zoo. It has been a busy time for the Brilliant Birds residents at the Zoo, as the youngsters took flight and left their nests.Picture date: Thursday May 17, 2012. Several chicks put their flying skills to the test for the first time earlier this week. The youngsters who have taken flight in the last month include; three green-winged doves, three chestnut-backed thrushes and a Nicobar pigeon. Photo credit should read: Danny Lawson/PA Wire
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Protester of the 'Blockupy' movement have pitched tents at the Roemerberg in Frankfurt Main, Germany, 17 May 2012. Police are out in force to prevent riots during the days of action by groups critical of capitalism. Photo: BORIS ROESSLER
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Cadets walk in a sally port at the U.S. Military Academy in West Point, N.Y., on Thursday, May 17, 2012. (AP Photo/Mike Groll)
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Fireworks light up crew members and honor guard during the national anthem before the NASCAR Pit Crew Challenge in Charlotte, N.C., Thursday, May 17, 2012. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
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A chandelier is seen from underneath during a preview of the Chihuly Garden and Glass exhibit at the Seattle Center, Thursday May 17, 2012, in Seattle. The new, permanent 1.5 acre exhibit is located near the base of the Space Needle and opens to the public Monday, May 21. It looks at the career of artist Dale Chihuly and features an eight-gallery exhibition hall, conservatory and garden as well as a cafe with a selection of Chihuly's collections of vintage accordions, radios, clocks and other mid-century memorabilia. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)
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Crew members for driver Jimmie Johnson celebrate after winning the NASCAR Pit Crew Challenge in Charlotte, N.C., Thursday, May 17, 2012. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
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Actress Ino Menegaki, dressed as a high priestess, lights the torch at a ceremony in Panathinean stadium in Athens, Thursday, May 17, 2012. The torch begins its 70-day journey to arrive at the opening ceremony of the London 2012 Olympics, from the Greek capital, to cover about 8,000-mile (12,875-kilometer) on its progress over many parts of England to start the games. (AP Photo/Petros Giannakouris)
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French bullfighter Sebastian Castella is gored during a bullfight of the San Isidro's fair at the Las Ventas Bullring in Madrid, Thursday, May 17, 2012. Castella continued with the bullfight, bleeding from his injured groin. Bullfighting is an ancient tradition in Spain and the season runs from March to October. (AP Photo/Daniel Ochoa de Olza)
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An artwork titled " The Earth and the World " by Indonesian artist Rudi Mantofani is displayed at the ART HK 12 art fair in Hong Kong Thursday, May 17, 2012. ART HK 12 is a fair showcasing artwork for sale from 266 galleries representing 39 international territories. (AP Photo/Vincent Yu)