An investigation by Turkish authorities into the illegal trafficking of genetic material has revealed the existence of a network operating out of the occupied territories, according to reports today in several Turkish Cypriot newspapers and websites. According to the findings of the relevant police department in Istanbul, 41 women carried out a total of 811 egg sales. The number of people arrested in connection with the case stands at 42.
The Kipris Post reports that the process involved prospective buyers selecting women based on photographs, with the media publishing these images in relevant directories with the women’s faces blurred. The investigation was launched by the Eastern Istanbul Chief Prosecutor’s Office following a report to the CİMER communication center. The evidence points to organized activity in Turkey, the occupied territories, Albania, and Georgia.
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An examination of telecommunications records, bank transactions, and travel documents, it was determined that women with Turkish citizenship were being transported abroad for the procedure in exchange for monetary compensation. The price per egg ranged from 60 to 80 euros.
SEE ALSO: Massive illegal egg-selling ring with tentacles reaching into the occupied territories
The ringleader, Hacer T., began her activities in 2020 as a donor. She subsequently took on the role of recruiting new women and collecting commissions. In collaboration with Muharrem Ş., who secured the necessary medications, they organized the distribution of medications and the recruitment of donors.
The network had contacts with hospitals in the pseudo-state and collaborated with doctors in various cities across Turkey to conduct medical examinations and preparations. At the same time, it managed the supply of medications with the aim of increasing the number of eggs per woman.
A list detailing the women’s physical and personal characteristics—such as blood type, eye color, skin color, and hair color—was found in the suspects’ digital files. This list was presented to buyers, and prices were set based on the requested characteristics.
As part of the investigations, a raid was carried out in 14 provinces of Turkey. Legal proceedings were initiated against 53 suspects, including the ringleader, 5 executives, 41 female donors, 2 gynecologists, and 4 travel agents.
Halkin Sesi reports today that it has been revealed that those who resorted to this method to have a child requested genes for “blonde hair and blue eyes,” to which they were told, “We can find anything; we’ll find it right away.”
Turkey’s Minister of Justice, Aki Gurek, stated in a post that the authorities will not allow the operation of networks that profit from the human body, while he thanked the prosecutors and police for carrying out the operation.
Source: CNA
