BBC investigation reveals potential IVF fraud in northern Cyprus

A recent investigation by the BBC has uncovered allegations that at least 30 children, primarily of British descent, may have been conceived via IVF treatments in the northern part of Cyprus using sperm or egg donors other than those selected by the parents. The report follows an earlier investigation from March 2026, which initially identified seven cases involving similar practices. Families involved claim they meticulously selected anonymous donors based on medical history, physical appearance, and background, but suspect they were deceived. DNA testing conducted on 11 children revealed genetic links to Turkey or neighboring countries, contradicting the parents' expectations of Western European ancestry.

Approximately half of these cases are linked to the Dogus IVF Centre, while the Miracle clinic and Dr. Firdevs Uguz Tip have also been cited in connection to the allegations. The Miracle clinic has formally rejected the findings as incomplete and misleading, arguing that no patient files have been presented to verify the claims. Following the report, the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) updated its travel advisory, warning that IVF treatments in the north carry significant risks due to the lack of regulatory oversight compared to the United Kingdom. Local authorities have been urged to investigate the clinics, though no definitive legal outcomes have been announced.