Full Breakdown
FBI Investigates Surrogacy Agency Surro Connections Amid Financial Collapse
12/19/2025, 1:40:10 PM
Overview of the Investigation
The FBI is currently investigating Surro Connections, a surrogacy agency based in Camas, Washington, which abruptly ceased operations on December 5, 2023. The agency's owner, Megan Hall-Greenberg, has not been reachable since the closure, leaving numerous intended parents and surrogates in financial distress. Reports indicate that approximately 150 families may have lost between $2 million and $5 million due to the agency's sudden shutdown.
Details of the Agency's Collapse
Surro Connections, founded in 2010, was marketed as a reputable surrogacy agency, often assuring clients that their escrow funds were securely held in a bank insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC). However, Hall-Greenberg's email to clients cited "financial and operational difficulties" as the reason for the agency's closure, stating that the company had "no liquid capital" to refund clients. This left many clients, like Mariana Klaveno, who had transferred over $66,000 for an embryo transfer, in a state of shock and confusion.
Financial Strain and Red Flags
Investigations into Hall-Greenberg's financial history reveal significant strain. She reportedly sold several cheerleading gyms and has outstanding tax debts exceeding $84,000 to the state of Oregon. Additionally, Hall-Greenberg had taken out multiple loans and faced lawsuits for defaulting on agreements. Former employees noted that payments to surrogates had been consistently late, raising concerns about the agency's financial health long before its closure.
Impact on Clients and Surrogates
The abrupt shutdown has left many intended parents and surrogates grappling with emotional and financial turmoil. Surrogates like Kama Stauffer, who is currently pregnant, expressed disbelief at the agency's collapse, stating it felt "unreal" that such a trusted organization could fail overnight. Many former employees have stepped in to assist clients in finding new agencies, but the emotional toll and financial losses remain significant.
Criticism and Community Response
Critics of Hall-Greenberg's management have pointed out that the in-house escrow system she promoted was a potential red flag, especially given the history of similar scandals in the surrogacy industry. The Society for Ethics in Egg Donation and Surrogacy advises that third-party escrow management is essential for protecting clients. Despite the turmoil, some organizations have begun offering pro bono services to assist those affected by Surro Connections' collapse.
Official Statements & Responses
An FBI spokesperson stated that they cannot confirm or deny the existence of any specific investigation, adhering to standard protocol. Hall-Greenberg has not responded to multiple requests for comment, leaving many clients and former employees without answers regarding the agency's sudden closure.
Verbatim Quotes
What's Next?
As the investigation unfolds, affected families are left to navigate their next steps in the surrogacy process, with many expressing doubt about recovering their lost funds. The community's response highlights the need for greater oversight and ethical standards in the surrogacy industry to prevent similar incidents in the future.
