An investigation by Turkish authorities has uncovered an alleged illegal human egg trafficking network with links to the areas of Cyprus under Turkish control, according to reports in Turkish Cypriot media.
The findings of the relevant department of Istanbul Police indicate that 41 women were involved in a total of 811 egg sales. A total of 42 people have been arrested in connection with the case, according to the reports.
Turkish Cypriot newspaper Kibris Postasi reported that prospective buyers selected women from photographs, with media outlets publishing lists of the women with their faces obscured.
The investigation was launched by the Eastern Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office following a report submitted through Turkey’s CİMER public communications centre. Evidence gathered by investigators points to an organised operation spanning Turkey, the areas of Cyprus under Turkish control, Albania and Georgia.
Women allegedly recruited for cross-border egg sales
An examination of telecommunications data, bank transactions and travel documents reportedly showed that Turkish women were taken abroad to undergo egg donation procedures in exchange for payment.
The reported payment ranged from €60 to €80 per egg.
According to the investigation, the alleged group leader, identified as Hacer T., began participating in the activity as a donor in 2020 before moving into recruiting other women and collecting commissions.
Working with a man identified as Muharrem Ş., who allegedly sourced the necessary medication, she is accused of helping organise the recruitment of donors and the supply of drugs used in the process.
The network reportedly maintained contacts with hospitals in the areas of Cyprus under Turkish control and worked with doctors in several Turkish cities to arrange medical examinations and prepare women for the procedures.
Investigators also allege that medication was supplied to increase the number of eggs produced by each woman.
Donor profiles used to match women with buyers
Digital records seized from suspects reportedly contained a list of the women’s physical and personal characteristics, including their blood groups and eye and skin colours.
The profiles were allegedly presented to prospective buyers, with prices determined according to the characteristics they requested.
Turkish Cypriot newspaper Halkin Sesi reported that some people seeking to have children asked for genetic characteristics associated with “blonde hair and blue eyes”.
They were allegedly told: “We can find everything; we find it immediately.”
The reported exchanges have drawn attention to the way the network allegedly marketed reproductive material by matching donor characteristics to buyers’ preferences.
Operation carried out across 14 Turkish provinces
As part of the investigation, Turkish authorities conducted an operation across 14 provinces.
Legal proceedings were initiated against 53 suspects, according to the reports. They included the alleged leader of the network, five administrative figures, 41 female donors, two gynaecologists and four travel organisers.
The reports cite 42 arrests in connection with the case, although they do not provide a full breakdown of those detained or clarify the status of all the suspects against whom legal proceedings were initiated.
The investigation drew on telecommunications records, financial transactions and travel documentation to examine the alleged operation and its cross-border connections.
Turkish justice minister vows action against trafficking networks
Turkey’s Justice Minister Akin Gürlek said in a social media post that the authorities would not allow networks to operate for profit from the human body.
He also thanked prosecutors and police officers involved in carrying out the operation.
The investigation is ongoing, and the allegations against the suspects have not been established as proven offences in court.
Source: CNA
