Discovering a network of hiring Cambodian women to illegally give birth to children for Chinese people
In Cambodia, during a raid against an illegal surrogacy business, police discovered 33 pregnant local women in a network.
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That is the news reported by Reuters citing a statement from local authorities.
Cambodia is a popular country for infertile couples looking to become parents through surrogacy, although since 2016 the practice has been illegal.
Five people were arrested in a raid on two apartments in Phnom Penh, including a Chinese national who was the ringleader of the international business. They have been charged with human trafficking and illegal surrogacy. The pregnant women have not been charged during the investigation.
Each “surrogate” woman was promised $10,000 to carry the child of a Chinese citizen. The potential mother received $500 when she became pregnant. After the child was born, the surrogate mother was promised $300 a month until the total amount was paid.
Police say about 20 children were born through this network. Some were born in China, others in Cambodia.
