Citizens window shop at Iphone store in Beijing

Chinese police has reportedly arrested five people after a 17-year-old boy sold his kidney to buy an Apple iPhone and iPad.

The boy, identified by his surname Wang, is said to have received about 3,000 dollars for his kidney. He was reportedly recruited for the illegal trade through an online chatroom.

The incident came into light after his mother noticed the new gadgets, and asked where he got the money.

Those detained include the surgeon who removed the kidney from the boy in April 2011, BBC reports.

According to state-run Xinhua news agency, the group received around 35,000 dollars for the transplant.

The group behind the operation have been charged with causing intentional injury and illegal organ trading.