The team said Sang and Shi were arrested for alleged human trafficking, with several others thought to be involved in the case placed under investigation. It added that Dong was arrested on suspicion of abuse, and 17 officials were also held accountable for irregularities in dealing with the case.

Xiaohuamei has schizophrenia and cannot communicate normally, the team said. Accompanied by her eldest son, she is now receiving hospital treatment in Xuzhou for mental illness and severe dental disorders. The other children and the elderly family member are being cared for by volunteers and villagers in Fengxian.

The investigation result was announced after the public security departments compared the woman's DNA with that of possible relatives. Forensic science institutions also gave her physical checks. In addition, the team examined more than 1,000 profiles and made over 4,600 visits to people in Jiangsu, Yunnan and Henan provinces who may be close to and aware of Xiaohuamei.

An official in charge of the provincial investigation team told Xinhua News Agency that a special campaign to uncover offenses in which women and children are harmed, and also to locate people with mental issues or disabilities, has been conducted throughout Jiangsu. Strong action will be taken against human traffickers and those who buy women or children that are trafficked, the official said.

He also pledged to make great efforts to protect people's rights, with the full implementation of policies and measures aimed at saving and helping victims of human trafficking.

"The abduction and trafficking of women and children seriously harms their personal rights. It's a crime that no one should tolerate and also a social scandal that must be unswervingly combated and effectively prevented," the official said.

During the campaign, 10 groups of people have been named as major targets in Xuzhou, including those with mental problems or who have been involved in the restriction of, the official said. The authorities will not hesitate to punish those who damage the rights of women and children, the official added.

The campaign has been joined by the women's federation in Jiangsu, which is focusing on aid being provided to grassroots areas. The federation called for more people, such as volunteers, to report signs of abuse and trafficking promptly, adding that education on protecting the rights of women and children should be provided in villages and other rural communities.