The Japanese man who allegedly fathered at least 16 surrogate babies in Thailand was told to submit his DNA in person yesterday after failing to show up for a promised meeting with Thai investigators, as reports emerged he’s also fathered babies in Ukraine and India.
Mitsutoki Shigeta’s attorney, Kong Suriyamonthon, had informed authorities over the weekend that his client would return to Thailand to meet police on Monday, an appointment he didn’t keep.
Kong did appear at the Lat Phrao police station to hand over a DNA sample and a note from Shigeta explaining his need for multiple babies, state media reported. The details of the statement were not disclosed. Authorities said yesterday they won’t accept DNA unless it is provided in person by Shigeta.
Meanwhile the founder of a now-shuttered Bangkok surrogacy clinic said Shigeta also fathered surrogate babies in India and the Ukraine, according to the South China Morning Post,
According to Mariam Kukunashvili, 24-year-old Shigeta spent almost THB3.2 million to have surrogates give birth to his children in Ukraine three years ago.
Investigations are looking at whether Hong-Kong based Shigeta is involved in trafficking infants, although his lawyer strongly denied the allegation. The lawyer said Shigeta merely desires a big family to take over his businesses in the future.
The director of four-year-old All IVF clinic, Pisit Tantiwattanakul, was also summoned yesterday for questioning. He is accused of illegally providing surrogacy services, and is linked to the Shigeta scandal.
Photo: Immigration Bureau
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