Phnom Penh (FN), June 29 - Investigating Judge Kor Vandy ordered to detain five suspects on 28 June, allegedly charged of surrogacy, an agreement whereby a woman agrees to carry a pregnancy for another person who will become the newborn child's parent after birth.

Phnom Penh Municipal Court charged them of "cross-border human trafficking and contraception with the surrogate", Article 16 on Crackdown on Human Trafficking and Protection of Minors and Article 332 of the Penal Code.

Two cars and one motorcycle were confiscated, and the 43 suspects were sent to anti-human trafficking and juvenile protection office for further legal procedures.

The surrogate mothers each was paid $10,000.

After the investigation, 33 surrogate mothers were sent to the Social Affairs Office in Phnom Penh, while the innocent people were allowed to go back home.
=FRESH NEWS