Danish agencies knew of Korean adoption fraud

The Council of Appeal on Health and Safety at Work reported that Danish adoption agencies were aware in the 70s and 80s that South Korean partners tampered with infants’ identities. Agencies AC Børnehjælp and DanAdopt were conscious that official documents could be falsified. Funds transferred between Danish and South Korean organizations promoted a high volume of specific adoptee profiles, contrary to international rules. The Danish Korean Rights Group’s concerns led to South Korea investigating adoption fraud. Triggered by these grave concerns, the Council launched an investigation in January 2023. Following sanctions, DIA, a merger of AC Børnehjælp and DanAdopt, announced its closure. The implications of the agencies’ knowledge of the identity changes are considered severe by legal experts.