Istanbul Anadolu Chief Prosecutor's 'Made-to-Order Baby' Investigation Reveals Alleged Ring Leader's Statement

In an investigation conducted by the Istanbul Anadolu Chief Prosecutor's Office Terror and Organized Crime Investigation Bureau, the statement of Hacer T., the alleged leader of a ring accused of directing women abroad to sell their eggs, was reported by NTV.

Hacer T., reported to be a 31-year-old mother of two, stated in her testimony that she had misrepresented her age and wished to benefit from plea bargain provisions, acknowledging that she traveled to Northern Cyprus, Georgia, and Albania for donor purposes. Hacer T. said she began these activities under the direction of Emine Ç. and earned 15,000-20,000 lira from operations in Cyprus. Hacer T. stated, "I would generally return to Istanbul the same day," noting that the clinic covered airfare and transfer arrangements, that she believed her rights were violated, and that she did not work with Emine Ç. again.

According to the investigation file, suspect Merve Ş. traveled abroad on a total of 30 different dates between 2023 and 2026, primarily to Cyprus and once to Albania. Travel intervals coinciding with an approximately 20-day menstrual cycle were assessed in the investigation as evidence supporting allegations of reproductive cell sales. MASAK records revealed that mutual money transfers took place between Hacer T. and Merve Ş.

The investigation was initiated following a report received through CİMER. Hacer T., whose ex-spouse is alleged to be the source of the report during divorce proceedings, denied charges of forming an organization and membership. In the file containing a total of 53 suspects, donors are also listed as suspects; some are alleged to have received compensation per cell while also demanding commissions for finding new candidates.