Legal representatives of companies reported to have engaged in surrogacy were arrested

The legal representatives of two companies that allegedly engaged in surrogacy in Qingdao, Shandong province, were arrested by public security authorities and the case is currently under investigation, the Qingdao Municipal Health Commission said on Wednesday.

Two doctors were banned from practicing medicine for life.

In August, following allegations of online surrogacy at Qingdao Meike Biotechnology Co Ltd and Qingdao Chunyun IVF Consultation Co Ltd, authorities launched a joint investigation team consisting of the Municipal Health Commission, Public Security Bureau and Market Supervision Bureau.

Subsequent investigations revealed that Cong, the legal representative of both companies, was reportedly involved in the illegal application of human-assisted reproductive technologies and was suspected of criminal activities.

Additionally, five individuals were found to be involved to varying degrees in illegal activities related to human-assisted reproductive technologies.

Punitive measures such as issuing warnings depending on the seriousness of the crimes, confiscating illegal earnings, revoking medical licenses, and imposing administrative fines prohibiting them from working in medicine and health services for life were implemented.