On 2026‑10‑19, Turkish authorities launched a coordinated operation after a tip from the Presidential Communication Coordination Center (CİMER). The tip revealed a clandestine network that trafficked reproductive cells, prompting simultaneous police actions across 14 provinces centered in Istanbul.
Investigators uncovered a hierarchy: one group leader, five managers, a gynecologist, and four travel organizers. The network also involved 41 women who had donated eggs and two women with health issues. The operation revealed that these donors had sold a total of 811 eggs abroad.
Justice Minister Akın Gürlek announced that judicial proceedings had been initiated against 53 suspects. Of those, 36 were detained. The 53 suspects included the group leader, managers, donors, the gynecologist, travel organizers, and the women with health issues.
The 41 women had conducted 811 egg sales, sending the eggs to these countries for financial gain.
Evidence linked the network to Turkey, Northern Cyprus, Albania, and Georgia. The 41 women had conducted 811 egg sales, sending the eggs to these countries for financial gain.
The operation not only halted the trafficking of eggs but also exposed the broader illegal surrogacy trade. The Justice Ministry emphasized that no monetary benefit can outweigh human dignity and bodily integrity.
"Hiçbir maddi menfaat, insan onurunun ve beden bütünlüğünün üzerinde değildir!" declared Justice Minister Akın Gürlek. He reiterated that the state would not tolerate exploitation of women for illegal egg trade.
The coordinated raid across 14 provinces has dismantled a major illegal egg trade network. With 53 suspects now under judicial scrutiny, Turkish authorities signal a firm stance against crimes that profit from human bodies.
