7-2-2025 (BANGKOK) Thai authorities have successfully rescued three women who fell victim to a sophisticated human egg harvesting operation in Georgia, orchestrated by Chinese criminal syndicates.
The women were among dozens lured by fraudulent social media advertisements promising lucrative surrogacy opportunities with earnings between 400,000 to 600,000 baht ($11,000 to $18,000) The rescue operation, spearheaded by the Pavena Foundation for Children and Women, came to light after a former victim who secured her release in September approached the foundation.
According to foundation head Pavena Hongsakula, the victim had to pay approximately 70000 baht ($2,000) to secure her freedom. Her testimony revealed that numerous Thai women remained trapped in the facility, unable to afford their release.
One survivor, speaking anonymously on social media, described how she responded to what appeared to be a legitimate surrogacy advertisement on Facebook. “They covered all expenses, including our passports and travel arrangements,” she revealed. “It seemed entirely above board.”
Upon arrival in Georgia last August, the women were escorted by a Thai national, allegedly affiliated with the criminal enterprise, to a compound comprising four large houses. The survivor estimated that at least 100 Thai women were already being held at the facility.
The operation, far from being a legitimate surrogacy service, was revealed to be an illegal egg harvesting scheme. Women were subjected to monthly procedures under anaesthesia for egg collection after being administered hormones to stimulate ovarian production.
Thai Foreign Affairs Police successfully facilitated the return of three women on 30 January, marking a significant breakthrough in ongoing efforts to combat international human trafficking networks.
Hongsakula confirmed that the harvested eggs were presumably trafficked internationally for IVF procedures, representing a disturbing development in cross-border reproductive exploitation.
