PORT-AU-PRINCE; Ten US Christians held in Haiti today faced possible child-trafficking charges over an attempt to smuggle a group of children out of the quake-devastated nation.

In a case that has heightened concerns about the safety of child survivors of the quake, the 10 members of a Christian group — who deny any evil intent — face further questioning and a court appearance, officials said.

The controversy has overshadowed the ongoing massive international relief effort still struggling to feed, house and care for an estimated one million homeless Haitians.

Interim prosecutor Mazar Fortil said the Christians may face a charge of criminal conspiracy in Haiti as well as possible charges of kidnapping minors and child-trafficking.

The five men and five women with US passports, and two Haitians, were held late on Friday when they tried to cross into the Dominican Republic in a bus with 33 children aged between two months and 14 years.