Hangzhou Police Probe Illegal Surrogacy Lab After Reporter Beaten, May 29

Authorities in Hangzhou have launched investigations into an unlicensed fertility clinic operating from a residential villa in Linping District. A 44-year-old woman paid 100,000 yuan (approximately 460,000 Taiwan dollars) for assisted reproduction services but underwent two failed embryo transfers and contracted multiple gynecological conditions. A journalist investigating the facility was assaulted and suffered a fractured fibula on May 26.

Illegal Clinic Operated From Underground Location

The unlicensed facility, operated by “Xibaobao Surrogacy Institution,” provided egg donation, embryo transfer, and other reproductive services without medical credentials. Investigators discovered medical equipment including embryo culture chambers, microscopes, liquid nitrogen tanks, and samples labeled with patient names stored in an underground garage beneath the villa.

The clinic marketed packages ranging from 40,000 to 800,000 yuan, claiming success rates exceeding 90 percent for gene-screened embryos. Staff told prospective clients they could provide donors matching specific blood types, appearance, and height requirements.

Patient Suffered Failed Treatments and Health Complications

Zhang, age 44, signed a “two-year guaranteed success” contract on April 16 after being recruited through social media. Regular hospitals confirmed she had good hormone levels and adequate ovarian reserves, making natural conception possible. Despite this, clinic staff pressured her into expensive procedures and arranged two embryo transfers in May.

Both transfers failed. After the procedures, Zhang developed pelvic fluid accumulation and ovarian cysts. She was transported to procedures in blacked-out vehicles and treated in a makeshift facility with only six basic beds and minimal equipment, rather than a licensed medical center.

Reporter Attacked During Investigation

On May 26, a journalist from Elephant News and health inspectors visited the villa to investigate. Staff attempted to obstruct the inspection, with one embryo technician falsely claiming to be a cleaner. When the team moved toward the second-floor laboratory, a worker violently dragged the reporter down the stairs, causing a fractured fibula.

The journalist was transported to Hangzhou Linping District Chinese Medicine Hospital, where the fracture was confirmed. Police and health authorities have opened formal investigations into both the unlicensed medical practice and the assault.

Authorities Launch Dual Investigation

On May 28, Hangzhou’s Linping District released an official statement confirming that health and public security departments formed a joint investigation team. Health authorities opened a case for suspected illegal medical practice. Police opened a separate case regarding the assault incident and provided medical treatment to the injured.

The China Journalists Association expressed concern and coordinated with local press associations to support the injured reporter. Officials seized all medical equipment and patient records from the facility.

Final Thoughts

Hangzhou police and health authorities are investigating an unlicensed fertility clinic that harmed patients and assaulted a journalist. The case highlights enforcement gaps in regulating reproductive services and underscores risks to investigative reporting.

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