The trial involving a private fertility clinic accused of human trafficking and illegal adoptions has begun in Chania, Crete. The alleged ringleaders are a 76-year-old gynecologist and a 47-year-old embryologist, who were remanded in custody in August 2023 and released 27 months later on bail of €10,000 each.
The two men allegedly recruited women from the Balkans, mainly Romania, and other countries, including Georgia and Hungary, bringing them to Greece to act as egg donors or surrogate mothers.
They allegedly served clients, including those in Western Europe and Australia, who wanted to adopt children but did not meet the legal requirements, charging between €70,000 and €120,000 per client. The operation reportedly generated €8.5 million in revenue.
The operation allegedly relied on an extensive network of external doctors, laboratories, lawyers and notaries.
According to News 247, this network allegedly produced fictitious documents, falsified medical records relating to egg retrieval procedures and secured court approvals based on false information.
A total of 33 defendants face charges including membership in and leadership of a criminal organization formed to commit serious offences, fraud, multiple counts of human trafficking, exploitation of women through the removal of cells and tissues during fictitious embryo transfers and egg retrieval procedures, illegal sale of genetic material, and the use of medically assisted reproduction methods without the legally required checks.
Source: News 247
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