A gruesome human-egg harvesting operation has been uncovered in Georgia, where around 100 women were enslaved and subjected to forced procedures by a criminal syndicate linked to Chinese nationals. The disturbing revelation came to light after three Thai women were rescued from the clandestine operation, according to a report by the Bangkok Post.
The Trap: A Job Offer That Led to Enslavement
The ordeal for many victims began with what seemed like an irresistible job offer. Advertisements on Facebook promised Thai women lucrative salaries ranging from ₹10 lakh (approximately €11,500) to ₹15 lakh (€17,000) for working as surrogates for Georgian couples unable to conceive.
However, the dream of financial stability quickly turned into a nightmare. The organization behind the scheme arranged passports and visas for the women, appearing legitimate at first glance. Upon arrival in Georgia, the reality was starkly different. Instead of meeting intended parents or medical professionals, the women were transported to four secluded properties, already packed with around a hundred other victims.
A Horror Unfolds Behind Closed Doors
Once inside, escape was nearly impossible. One victim, who managed to return to Thailand after paying an exorbitant “release fee” of ₹1.8 lakh, recounted the horrors that took place inside these facilities.
- Women were administered heavy doses of hormones to stimulate excessive egg production.
- Their menstrual cycles were strictly monitored, and eggs were harvested once a month under duress.
- They were not allowed to leave the premises unless they could pay off their “debt” to the gang.
The rescued woman revealed that many of her fellow captives were still trapped, unable to afford their way out.
The Egg Mafia: A Lucrative and Ruthless Business
The global fertility industry is worth billions, and black-market operations like this one exploit vulnerable women for high-profit margins. Human eggs are in demand for in-vitro fertilization (IVF) treatments, and some buyers are willing to pay substantial amounts for fresh, high-quality eggs.
A deeper look into illegal egg-harvesting networks reveals some alarming details:
| Factor | Black Market Price (Estimate) |
|---|---|
| Single Human Egg | $5,000 – $10,000 |
| Full IVF Treatment (Illegal Clinics) | $20,000 – $50,000 |
| Surrogacy Services | Up to $100,000 |
While legal egg donation programs exist, they are strictly regulated to protect donors. In contrast, illegal networks operate without medical ethics, often risking women’s health and well-being.
Who Is Behind This? The Role of Chinese Criminal Networks
The presence of Chinese nationals in illegal fertility markets has been documented in multiple countries. Criminal groups are believed to facilitate these underground operations, smuggling women across borders and using coercion to keep them compliant.
- Many of these operations target women from developing nations who are desperate for financial relief.
- They use fraudulent paperwork to move victims through international checkpoints.
- Corrupt officials often turn a blind eye, allowing the industry to thrive.
The Thai NGO that assisted in the recent rescue is now pushing authorities in Georgia and Thailand to launch a full-scale investigation. However, bringing down these syndicates remains a daunting task due to their deep-rooted connections and vast financial resources.
The Road to Justice: Will the Victims Ever Be Compensated?
Legal experts say cases like this often fall into legal gray areas. Victims of human trafficking and forced medical procedures rarely receive compensation. In many cases, they struggle to reintegrate into society due to the trauma endured.
One of the rescued women shared that she had lost trust in authorities, as she felt abandoned by both her home country and the host nation. “We went looking for a future, and instead, they treated us like machines,” she said during a press conference.
Governments worldwide are now being urged to tighten regulations on fertility services and crack down on criminal networks exploiting vulnerable populations. Whether this case serves as a wake-up call for stronger international cooperation remains to be seen.
