Investigation uncovers surrogacy and child trafficking scam at fertility clinic

Hyderabad : Authorities in Hyderabad have uncovered a major surrogacy and child trafficking racket linked to the Universal Srishti Fertility Center. The investigation, led by the Enforcement Directorate (ED), is focused on illegal money transfers and fraudulent IVF procedures allegedly conducted by the clinic’s founder, Dr. A. Namrata.

According to officials, the clinic reportedly charged couples up to ₹40 lakh per child under the pretense of in-vitro fertilization (IVF) and surrogacy services. However, the children provided to these couples were often not biologically related to them. Investigators allege that the clinic procured children from poor and vulnerable pregnant women and subsequently sold them to couples seeking a child, sometimes fabricating DNA reports to conceal the deception.

The case traces back several years, during which the clinic misled infertile couples across Hyderabad, Vijayawada, and Visakhapatnam, promising biological children through IVF while engaging in illegal surrogacy and child sale operations. The Enforcement Directorate noted that even after the clinic’s license was revoked in 2021, operations continued across Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, suggesting a widespread network possibly extending to Kolkata.

Last month, the ED conducted raids at nine locations associated with the accused, including clinics and residences, seizing financial documents indicating large-scale cash transactions. Many payments were made in cash and routed through courier services.

The ED has filed an ECIR under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), and interrogation of Dr. Namrata is underway. Investigators are focusing on both the financial and operational aspects of the scam, including the involvement of intermediaries who facilitated the illegal surrogacy and child sale operations.

This revelation has shocked families seeking legitimate fertility treatment and raised serious questions about regulatory oversight of fertility clinics in India. Authorities have assured strict legal action against all individuals involved in this criminal network.

The case highlights the urgent need for tightened surveillance, licensing checks, and accountability mechanisms in surrogacy and IVF services to prevent exploitation of vulnerable women and ensure ethical practices.