Minister of Justice Akın Gürlek announced that simultaneous operations were conducted in 14 provinces, including Istanbul, as part of an investigation into the illegal trade of reproductive cells. According to Gürlek's statement, 36 suspects were detained in the operations.
The investigation, initiated by the Istanbul Anatolian Chief Public Prosecutor's Office Bureau of Investigation for Terrorism and Organized Crime following a tip-off via CİMER, alleges the existence of a network with links to Turkey, the TRNC, Albania, and Georgia.
It was stated that HTS and MASAK records, the suspects' international travel information, and other evidence obtained were examined during the investigation. Minister Gürlek announced that it was determined that Turkish female citizens were directed abroad to sell eggs in exchange for financial gain.
According to information provided by the Ministry, it was determined that 41 women had performed a total of 811 egg sales. Judicial proceedings were initiated against a total of 53 suspects, including one person alleged to be the leader of the organization, 5 managers, 41 egg donors, 2 obstetricians and gynecologists, and 4 travel organizers.
While 36 suspects were apprehended in the operation, it was determined that one suspect is currently in prison. It was reported that efforts are ongoing to apprehend a total of 16 suspects, including 7 individuals identified as being abroad.
Minister Gürlek's statement is as follows:
"WE WILL NOT ALLOW CRIMINAL NETWORKS THAT PROFIT UNLAWFULLY FROM THE HUMAN BODY!
We are determinedly continuing our fight against criminal networks that direct women toward the illegal trade of reproductive cells and disregard human dignity and bodily integrity.
In the investigation initiated by our Istanbul Anatolian Chief Public Prosecutor's Office Bureau of Investigation for Terrorism and Organized Crime following a tip-off via CİMER, findings were reached indicating that the illegal trade of reproductive cells with links to Turkey, the TRNC, Albania, and Georgia was being carried out in an organized manner.
As a result of the evaluation of HTS and MASAK records, international travel information, and other evidence obtained, it was determined that Turkish female citizens were directed abroad to sell eggs in exchange for financial gain.
It was determined that a total of 811 egg sales were carried out by 41 women within the scope of the investigation.
In the simultaneous operation carried out today in 14 provinces, including Istanbul, judicial proceedings have been initiated against a total of 53 suspects, including 1 organization leader, 5 organization managers, 41 donor women, 2 obstetricians and gynecologists, and 4 travel organizers. 36 of the suspects have been apprehended and detained, and it has been determined that 1 suspect is in prison. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend a total of 16 suspects, including 7 suspects identified as being abroad.
I would like to thank our Istanbul Anatolian Chief Public Prosecutor's Office for conducting the investigation meticulously, our Police Department for their role in the operation, and all public officials who contributed.
No financial gain is above human dignity and bodily integrity!
Under the leadership of our President, Mr. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, we will continue our work with determination to uncover all connections of these criminal networks, identify those responsible, and ensure they are held accountable before the law."
News Source: 12punto
