Surrogacy Photo:VCG

Five suspects had been placed under criminal coercive measures for conducting illegal surrogacy, said a statement released by a joint investigation team from Hefei and Bozhou in East China's Anhui Province on Sunday. A medical technology company was involved in illegal surrogacy and other issues in the two cities, according to the statement.

On Friday, a netizen called Shangguang Zhengyi posted online, alleging that a surrogacy agency in Hefei, capital of Anhui Province had illegally colluded with medical staff and public officials to conduct underground egg retrieval and sell birth certificates. The same afternoon, the netizen reported the matter to the local police.

Upon receiving the report regarding illegal surrogacy activities involving Youming Medical Technology Co in Hefei and Bozhou on Friday, local authorities in both cities took the matter seriously, said the statment. 

A joint investigation team, composed of public security, health, discipline inspection and supervision, market regulation departments, was established to conduct a thorough investigation in line with legal and regulatory procedures.

At present, five suspects involved in the case have been placed under criminal coercive measures, and the case is under further investigation.

Additionally, indications regarding potential disciplinary violations or illegal activities by public officials are being verified. No matter who is involved, once verified, they will be dealt with seriously and strictly according to the law and regulations, with zero tolerance, the statement said. 

Global Times