Turkish authorities have launched a major investigation into an alleged network involved in the illegal trade in human eggs, carrying out simultaneous operations across 14 provinces and arresting 36 people.
The investigation has identified 53 suspects and uncovered allegations that 41 women were involved in 811 transactions involving the sale of eggs in exchange for payment.
Particular attention has been drawn to an official statement from the Istanbul Eastern Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office, which refers to clinics in the northern part of Cyprus allegedly connected to the network. Women were reportedly transported from Turkey to undergo egg retrieval procedures at clinics linked to the operation.
According to Turkish media reports, the investigation began after a complaint was submitted through CİMER, the Turkish presidential communications system.
Justice Minister Akın Gürlek announced the operation, saying investigators had uncovered an organised network allegedly involved in the illegal trade in reproductive cells, with international connections.
How the alleged network operated
According to the prosecutor’s statement, members of the network allegedly recruited women in Turkey who were willing to provide their eggs in exchange for money.
The women reportedly underwent medical examinations and, where necessary, received medication to prepare them for the egg retrieval procedure.
Arrangements were then allegedly made for them to travel to Northern Cyprus, Albania and Georgia, where the procedures were carried out at clinics said to be connected to the network, according to Turkish prosecutors.
The women received financial compensation after the eggs were collected, while members of the alleged network are suspected of making money from the operation.
Investigators identified 41 women who allegedly participated in the process, with 811 egg sales recorded in the evidence made public by the authorities.
The allegations have not been established in court.
Clinics in northern Cyprus under scrutiny
One of the most significant aspects of the case is the Turkish prosecutor’s explicit reference to clinics in Northern Cyprus allegedly linked to the network.
The statement says members of the group coordinated the women’s departure from Turkey so that their reproductive cells could be collected at clinics in Northern Cyprus, Albania and Georgia.
However, authorities have not publicly identified any clinics or doctors in Northern Cyprus suspected of involvement.
The extent of the alleged network’s activities in the north of the island, and whether any local medical professionals will face investigation, remains unclear from the information released so far.
Two gynaecologists among 53 suspects
According to Gürlek, investigators identified 53 suspects, including an individual alleged to have led the network, five people said to have held management roles, 41 women described as egg donors, two gynaecologists and four people allegedly responsible for arranging overseas travel.
The coordinated police operations took place on 19 October across Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, Adana, Antalya, Tekirdağ, Giresun, Aydın, Edirne, Kocaeli, Sakarya, Şanlıurfa, Karaman and Muğla.
A total of 36 suspects were arrested during the raids, and a substantial amount of digital evidence was seized.
Authorities also established that one suspect was already in prison, while seven others were abroad. Efforts to locate and arrest the remaining suspects are continuing, with 16 people still being sought, according to the announcement.
The investigation is examining suspected offences including establishing or participating in a criminal organisation, trafficking in organs and tissues, and violations of legislation governing the removal, storage and transplantation of organs and tissues.
Turkish justice minister vows to pursue investigation
Gürlek said Turkish authorities would continue targeting organised networks suspected of making illegal profits by exploiting the human body.
“No financial gain stands above human dignity and physical integrity,” he said.
He added that investigations would continue with the aim of identifying everyone involved and uncovering the full extent of the network’s connections.
The case remains under investigation, and the allegations against the suspects have yet to be proven.
