ChinaFile | October 3, 2025
Georgia and nearby post-Soviet countries are growing in popularity among Chinese parents pursuing parenthood via surrogacy –– a practice banned in China. With increasing demand, legal grey areas and complex parentage processes in China have resulted in exploitation of surrogates and intended parents.
LA Times | October 2, 2025
Police investigation of a Chinese couple in LA who have had over 20 children via surrogacy revealed video footage of nannies inflicting “emotional and physical abuse” on some of the children. It also unearthed ties between the couple and illicit gambling and drug operations.
The Independent | August 10, 2025
Vietnamese authorities report that they have dismantled an international surrogacy network between Vietnam, China, and Cambodia and have rescued 11 infants from the operation. The network violated Vietnamese laws that prohibit compensated surrogacy.
The Wall Street Journal | August 5, 2025
Los Angeles authorities are investigating a Chinese couple who were found to have more than 20 children, all born through surrogacy arrangements since 2021. Surrogates who had children for the couple report being misled or deceived about who the intended parents were or how many children they already had. Police are also investigating reports of child abuse and potential links to clients in China.
South China Morning Post | April 27, 2025
After raiding an office and homes, Hong Kong police arrested ten people who allegedly promoted and arranged commercial surrogacy services and sex selection of embryos in violation of the Human Reproductive Technology Ordinance.
Shine | April 18, 2025
After authorities uncovered an illegal surrogacy ring operating at two villas in Hangzhou, they found that operators of the ring had designated an elderly woman to be its legal representative. This was an attempt to avoid legal consequences of illegal surrogacy operations.
February 13, 2025 | Radio Free Europe
Thai authorities are investigating claims from three Thai women, who say they traveled to Georgia under the pretense of surrogacy only to be forced into a Chinese crime syndicate’s “egg harvesting” operation. The Chinese company says they facilitate surrogacy arrangements with contracts and are not holding surrogates in Georgia against their will.
Global Voices | December 23, 2024
An investigation of ads on Russian social media that promoted free trips and thousands of dollars in compensation for Russian women to donate their eggs in China revealed the operation of an illegal, underground commercial egg donation enterprise between the countries.
Global Times | December 15, 2024
Chinese authorities are investigating allegations that medical personnel, public officials, and a surrogacy agency worked together to conduct an underground operation involving egg retrieval and sale of birth certificates.
Khaosod English | December 13, 2024
Authorities in Thailand have arrested doctors and nurses alleged to be operating an illegal surrogacy ring for a Chinese couple.
