Istanbul prosecutors investigate illegal reproductive cell trafficking ring

An investigation by the Istanbul Anadolu Chief Public Prosecutor's Office has uncovered an organized illegal reproductive cell trafficking network involving 53 suspects. The operation reportedly spans Turkey, Northern Cyprus, Albania, and Georgia.

Authorities identified 31-year-old Hacer T. as the suspected leader of the organization. In her statement, Hacer T. requested to benefit from effective repentance provisions, admitting she transitioned from being a donor to coordinating activities for other women. She detailed how she recruited candidates, coordinated with clinics, managed medication supplies, and organized international travel for procedures.

The investigation highlights a sophisticated system where donors were selected via photographs, medication use was monitored through video calls, and commissions were negotiated between intermediaries. Financial records and messages indicate a structured division of labor involving finding donors, arranging medical examinations, and managing money transfers across borders.