Fertility Clinic's Decade-Long Scam Uncovered: Fake Surrogacy, Child Trafficking Scheme

On September 25, 2025, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted raids across Hyderabad, Vijayawada, and Visakhapatnam, uncovering a decade-long illegal surrogacy and child trafficking racket allegedly run by Dr. Pachipalli Namratha's fertility clinic.

The operations revealed extensive financial irregularities, with the clinic accused of defrauding couples seeking parenthood and exploiting vulnerable women. Authorities seized properties in Dr. Namratha's possession, as well as documents related to the clinic's illicit activities.

The investigation was prompted after a foreign couple discovered that the child delivered to them through the clinic was not their biological child, a fact confirmed by a denied passport application and DNA test. Further probes uncovered a systematic pattern of deception, where the clinic reportedly procured poor and pregnant women, offering them money to give up their newborns.

While a portion of the funds collected was allegedly paid to surrogates and agents as commission, the majority was retained by Dr. Namratha, who used it to acquire personal properties. The clinic's operations extended beyond Hyderabad to centers in other cities, and it allegedly created a facade of legality through forged surrogacy agreements.

Authorities have warned that strict legal action will be taken against all those involved in facilitating the illegal surrogacy and child trafficking racket. The case has raised serious ethical and legal concerns, highlighting the exploitation of vulnerable individuals and the defrauding of couples seeking to start a family.