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Turkey reproductive cell trafficking investigation

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2026-10-25 10:55 UTC → 2026-10-25 14:23 UTC · added ~~removed~~

Turkish authorities, led by the Istanbul Anadolu Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, are investigating an organized crime network accused of trafficking human reproductive cells across Turkey, Northern Cyprus, Albania, and Georgia. Investigators allege the network recruited 41 women to sell their eggs, facilitating approximately 811 sales and generating roughly 2 million euros in illicit revenue. The group reportedly used catalogs to offer clients donors with specific physical traits and intelligence levels. This led to a scandal where families discovered through DNA testing that children they believed were of Scandinavian or Danish origin actually had Turkish biological backgrounds. Following coordinated raids across 14 provinces, law enforcement has detained 44 suspects, including an alleged ring leader, managers, gynecologists, and travel organizers. As of the latest reports, eight individuals have been arrested on charges including establishing a criminal organization and violating laws regarding the procurement and transplantation of organs and tissues, while 36 others have been placed under judicial control. New details from the investigation have identified 53 suspects, including the alleged ringleader, Hacer T., five managers, 41 female donors, two gynecologists, and four travel organizers. Evidence from digital communications and financial records indicates the group used fake job advertisements for recruitment and managed donors' menstrual cycles with medication. Hacer T. has reportedly admitted to manipulating donor profiles and ages to meet clinic requirements while seeking leniency through effective repentance. Further investigation into digital evidence and recordings reveals that the network negotiated specific fees based on donors' physical characteristics, such as eye color and blood type. Payments reportedly varied by destination, with donors receiving significantly higher amounts in countries like Georgia or the United States compared to other locations.

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