Turkey arrests 36 in egg-trafficking investigation linked to Cyprus

Istanbul, Turkey. Turkish authorities have arrested 36 people and are seeking another 16 in an investigation into suspected illegal egg-cell trafficking linked to Cyprus, Justice Minister Akin Gurlek said on Monday. Proceedings cover 53 individuals, including one person already imprisoned.

Investigation follows tip-off

Gurlek said a tip-off prompted an inquiry led by the Istanbul Anatolian chief public prosecutor’s office. Investigators uncovered evidence of an organised reproductive-cell trafficking operation connecting Turkey, the TRNC, Albania and Georgia, he said.

According to the minister, Turkish women were sent overseas to sell their eggs for money. Investigators identified 811 egg sales involving 41 women.

Gurlek said the 53 individuals facing proceedings comprised an alleged organisation leader, five managers, 41 female donors, two specialists in obstetrics and gynaecology, and four people who organised travel. Seven of the 16 people being sought were confirmed to be outside Turkey, he added.

The minister said financial profit could not take precedence over human dignity or bodily integrity. He pledged that, under President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s leadership, authorities would continue tracing criminal organisations’ connections, identifying those responsible and pursuing accountability.

Earlier reports on Turkish Cypriot fertility clinics

The arrests mark another development in a troubled year for the Turkish Cypriot in vitro fertilisation industry. In August, the BBC reported that at least 30 children had been conceived through IVF using incorrect sperm or egg donors at clinics overseen by the Turkish Cypriot authorities.

According to the BBC, the parents in every case had carefully chosen anonymous donors using details about medical histories, physical appearance, personalities, education and hobbies. However, they were concerned that their fertility treatments might not have used the donors they had requested.

Deutsche Welle separately reported that clinics under Turkish Cypriot oversight were allowing prospective parents to select their baby’s sex. Ahmet Savasan, secretary-general of the ruling UBP, appeared on camera to acknowledge the practice, according to that report.