HANOI — In a significant crackdown, Vietnamese authorities have broken up a large-scale cross-border commercial surrogacy ring orchestrated by a Chinese national known as Wang. Eleven infants, aged between nine days and three months, were rescued in coordinated raids across multiple provinces.

Complex Operation through Social Media

Vietnam’s Criminal Police Department, under the Ministry of Public Security, revealed that the highly organized network recruited financially vulnerable Vietnamese women via social media and messaging apps. These women were taken to China or Cambodia for embryo transfers, then returned to Vietnam to carry their pregnancies—earning between ₫300 to ₫400 million (USD 11,460–15,280) per case.

The network used encrypted communications, fake identities, and luxury high-security apartments to evade authorities.

Raids Uncover Key Figures and Their Roles

Executing the operation on July 15 under Deputy Minister Senior Lieutenant-General Nguyen Van Long, police arrested multiple suspects across provinces—including Quach Thi Thuong (‘Coca/Pepsi’), Pham Thi Hoai Thu, Phung Thi Nuong, Nguyen Thi Hang, Nguyen Thi Thu Trang, and Lo Thi Thanh—along with others. Wang’s network handled birth certificates, DNA tests, and travel documents for newborns.

Thuong is accused of orchestrating around 60 cases (earning â‚«575 million), while Thu managed 40 cases (earning â‚«345 million). Some former surrogates were rehired as nannies, earning up to â‚«750,000 per day.

Infants Placed in Protective Care Amid Ongoing Probe

The rescued babies are currently in the care of the Vietnam Women’s Union’s Centre for Women and Development, with support from the health ministry’s Maternal & Child Health Department and the Vietnam Children’s Protection Fund. Authorities continue the criminal investigation for commercial surrogacy charges. (zai)

Sources:  vietnamnews.vn,  VietNamNet News