Traveller busted smuggling human embryo into India

Cryopreservation of samples.

Indian authorities have arrested a Malaysian national after discovering a concealed human embryo in his luggage.

The BBC reported authorities are investigating the possibility of an embryo smuggling ring after the man admitted it was not the first time he had brought embryos into India.

After confiscating the findings, the man allegedly led officials to a high-end IVF clinic in the city.

But the clinic has vehemently denied being involved, alleging a set-up.

The man said he was taking the embryo to the clinic when questioned, Rebecca Gonsalves, representing the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), which is investigating the case, told Mumbai’s high court on Monday 16 March.

The Times of India has reported that a number of texts backing up his claim were also found.

RT reported the officials believe the embryos were being smuggled in, fertilized in a lab and then implanted into Indian women who act as surrogates.

This kind of surrogacy is illegal in Malaysia under Islamic law, which is why desperate families may be turning to exporting embryos from abroad.

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