Social workers have taken into care three children adopted by the Californian internet baby broker who helped Alan and Judith Kilshaw adopt twin girls from the US.

The children, two infants and a toddler, were removed as FBI agents searched the San Diego home of Tina Johnson and took away a computer and several boxes on Wednesday.

San Diego County's Child Protective Services gave no information about the identity of the children or their relationship to Ms Johnson.

An FBI spokeswoman would also not comment on the search but the FBI has previously said that Ms Johnson was under investigation for allegations of fraud in connection with her internet adoption business, A Caring Heart.

American couple Richard and Vicky said they tried to adopt the girls through A Caring Heart at a cost of £4,000 but lost them to the Mr and Mrs Kilshaws, from Mold, north Wales, who paid twice as much.

Other couples have also claimed Tina Johnson accepted fees for adoptions that were never completed.

The Kilshaw twins are now in foster care in Britain while the courts sort out the dispute.

See also:

Judge overturns Net twins adoption
Kilshaws make documentary
Twins: Birth dad's battle on hold
Twins' mum appoints UK lawyer
Kilshaws turn to the Web again
Kilshaws face abduction charges
Kilshaws fight it out on Oprah show
Twins: Birth father in legal bid
Twins: Allens bid to overturn adoption
Twins: US father 'wins custody'
Internet twins to stay in care
'We may never see twins again'
High Court to decide twins' fate
Net baby couple go into hiding