Surrogacy Sky‑High in Phnom Penh—Now Under the Radar
What Just Happened?
On July 6, a court officer in Phnom Penh announced that thirty‑two expectant women were hauled into custody for allegedly taking part in a illegal surrogacy ring that had been feeding Chinese clients with babies.
Cops Gone Capital‑Busters
- The raid hit two apartments in the heart of Phnom Penh.
- Five folks, including a Chinese national, were arrested on human trafficking charges.
- All 32 women were charged with cross‑border human trafficking and put in pre‑trial detention.
How the Cash Flow Works (Spoiler: It’s a Lot of Cash)
According to police, each woman was promised US$10,000 (≈S$13,613) for carrying a baby for a Chinese client. The payment schedule goes like this:
- Once the belly’s full, +US$500.
- After the baby arrives, +US$300 each month until the $10,000 is fully paid.
Infertile Couples’ New Playground
Before the 2016 ban, Cambodia was a favourite getaway for couples who couldn’t conceive but wanted a start in their family tree. Now the heat’s turned on, and the city’s authorities are sweeping up the organizers, one belly‑at‑a‑time.
What’s Next?
We’ll keep an eye on the courts to see if these cases spill into a bigger crackdown. For now, it looks like Cambodia’s surrogacy scene has been snowballed from the sky down to street level. Stay tuned—this story isn’t over yet!
