Twenty-one suspects were arrested on Oct 29 during raids on two underground sites illegally providing human-assisted reproductive technology in Changsha, Hunan province. The drugs and medical devices involved were confiscated, Xinhua News Agency reported on Wednesday.

Investigations showed that both sites operated covertly without valid licenses. Those involved included organizers, practitioners, and support staff. The case is under further investigation, and health authorities have opened investigations into the premises and relevant individuals.

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According to the Yuelu district health authority, during the handling of a surrogacy case in a residential compound in Yuelu on Sept 9, a health supervision assistant surnamed Ren from the Lugu subdistrict community health service center committed disciplinary and legal violations by leaking photos from the law enforcement operation. Relevant authorities have imposed the penalties of expulsion from the Party and dismissal from public post.

The district said it would maintain a tough crackdown posture, strengthen coordinated law enforcement across multiple departments, and conduct regular inspections to stamp out the illegal use of human-assisted reproductive technology. It also pledged to regulate the medical market and safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of the public and the public interest of society, Xinhua reported.