Refer China: 100000+Pregnant Women’s Blood Samples Smuggled Overseas ： Details

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100,000+ Pregnant Women's Blood Samples Smuggled Overseas, Case Unveiled

Guangzhou, China — Chinese authorities have uncovered a major cross-border genetic smuggling operation involving the illegal export of over 100,000 blood samples from pregnant women, Guangzhou Customs announced this week.

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According to investigators, the operation spanned 23 provinces and generated illegal profits exceeding 30 million yuan (approximately $4.2 million USD).

Authorities said the blood samples, which carry key genetic information, were trafficked abroad under the guise of fetal gender testing and genetic screening services. China strictly prohibits non-medical gender identification and tightly regulates the export of human genetic material.

Covert Operations and a National Footprint

The smuggling network operated through a well-coordinated black market supply chain, involving online recruitment, domestic sample collection via couriers, concealed storage, and physical smuggling across borders.

Promotions were made through social media platforms, advertising services such as "non-invasive fetal gender testing." After collecting client details, domestic agents arranged blood sample collections through informal channels. Samples were then consolidated and smuggled overseas via "mules" who concealed them under clothing or in specially modified luggage.

One key smuggler, identified as Zhuo, is alleged to have organized the trafficking of more than 4,000 blood samples over a 16-month period. Another suspect, surnamed Li, was described as the ringleader of a particularly active cell operating under the cover of a media company. He reportedly earned over 7 million yuan in less than five months.

Legal Ramifications

Authorities warned that smuggled samples were often mishandled, stored without proper medical safeguards, and at times leaked or broke during transport. Some were found to contain infectious viruses, raising concerns over public health and biosecurity.

Nine of the 26 suspects have been formally arrested, and the case remains under investigation. China's Criminal Law was amended in 2021 to include the crime of smuggling human genetic materials. Those found guilty in serious cases face three to seven years in prison and fines.

Officials emphasized that blood samples are classified as human genetic resources, and any unauthorized export is a direct threat to national interest. The law also bans fetal gender testing except under approved medical circumstances, a policy aimed at maintaining demographic balance.

Source: 新闻坊