Turkish police have detained 36 people in simultaneous raids across 14 provinces targeting an alleged organised network that sent women abroad to sell their egg cells, Istanbul prosecutors said on Monday.
The investigation, run by the Istanbul Anadolu Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office’s terrorism and organised crime bureau, began after a tip-off through CİMER, the government’s online complaints service. Prosecutors said they used phone traffic records, financial intelligence from MASAK, the finance ministry’s money-laundering unit, and travel data to map the group.
41 donors, 811 sales
According to prosecutors, 41 women were identified as donors who together sold eggs 811 times, with each egg cell fetching between 60 and 80 euros. Investigators found links to Northern Cyprus, Albania and Georgia, where egg donation for fertility treatment is permitted.
In all, 53 suspects were identified: an alleged ringleader, five managers, the 41 women, two obstetrics and gynaecology specialists and four people who organised the travel. Of those, 36 were detained and one was already in prison. Sixteen remain wanted, including seven believed to be abroad. Police also carried out searches and seized assets.
Justice Minister Akın Gürlek said on social media that authorities would not allow criminal groups to profit from the human body. The allegations have not been tested in court.
Why egg donation is illegal in Türkiye
Türkiye is a major destination for IVF treatment, but its rules allow couples to use only their own eggs and sperm. Donor eggs, donor sperm and surrogacy are banned, and sending patients abroad for such treatment is also restricted. As a result, some Turkish couples travel to Northern Cyprus or other countries for donor-based treatment, and that demand has created a market for recruiting donors.
Doctors warn that repeated egg retrieval carries health risks, including ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, which is why many countries limit how often a woman can donate.
Health policy in focus
The case comes as the health ministry expands its workforce, with 38,000 non-physician hires announced and 31,054 contract posts planned for 2027. Foreigners seeking fertility care in Türkiye should use licensed clinics and check what treatment is legal before travelling; our moving to Turkey checklist explains how to register for health insurance.
Sources
Photo: Galina Fomina / CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
