Investigative Report: Uncovering the Ovogenetic Fertility Scam in Argentina
Javier Milei inherited a broken country in many ways. Yet in the thriving sector of fertility scams and crooked doctors, there is no poverty. This is because in the world of fertility treatments, hopeful parents-to-be place their trust in clinics that promise to help them achieve their dreams. However, not all clinics operate with integrity. A sophisticated scam led by Raymond Oses starts with referring clinics that sends you to “Ovogenetic”, fronted by a worker called Nahuel Laurnagaray, where Oses receives the payment in the United States in a personal account. Raymond Oses also runs “Fertility Argentina”. This scam has come to light, revealing a network of deceitful practices enabled by referring collaborators.
The Referral and Initial Contact
The journey begins with being referred to Raymond Oses’ egg bank which allows you to choose the “known” donor with a picture. It is called Ovogenetic, through a network of seemingly reputable sources. Although this part is harder to prove, the referring collaborators does appear to be part of a well-oiled machine designed to lure in unsuspecting patients. Once the referral is made, prospective parents are nailed at a premium rate – paid to Oses in the USA, for services delivered in Argentina.
The Financial Transaction
Patients are charged a staggering $9600 for more than 10 eggs. This fee is justified by the clinic with assurances of high success rates and top-notch services. However, the reality is far from what is promised. Despite the hefty price, the success rate in this particular case was an alarmingly low at only 7%, a figure that raises red flags, especially when the male partner has a perfect spermogram.
The Egg Quality Issue
The biologist at the referring center points out that the issue lies with the eggs provided by Ovogenetic. This revelation is crucial as it underscores the substandard quality of the eggs, which directly impacts the success of the fertility treatment. Despite this, when patients request replacement eggs, they are met with an outright decline – since Oses already has his money wired in the United States.
The Refusal and Further Exploitation
Raymond Oses, along with his assistant Nahuel Laurnagaray, outrightly refuse to provide replacement eggs. Instead, they pressure the patients to purchase more eggs, further exploiting their desperation and hope. This tactic not only extorts more money from the patients but also prolongs their emotional and physical ordeal.
Financial Maneuvering and Dismissal
Even after receiving cleared funds in his USD account in America, Oses dismisses the patients’ concerns with a polite but insincere farewell. This behavior demonstrates a lack of accountability and a blatant disregard for the patients’ well-being and financial investment.
Unmasking the Network
Our ongoing investigation aims to uncover the full extent of this fertility scam in Argentina. Dr. Raymond Oses appears to be the mastermind behind this operation, but he is not alone. The network of collaborators, including those who refer patients to Ovogenetic, plays a crucial role in perpetuating this scam.
Moreover, Oses employs various tactics to conceal his true identity and evade negative reputation. Multiple listings on Google Maps under different aliases and clinic names make it difficult for prospective patients to uncover the truth about his operations.
Critique of Ovogenetic’s Scapegoating Tactics
Transcription of Response from Ovogenetic:
“I am deeply sorry for your disappointment but, according to the report from the embryologists at Procrearte, the oocytes had an optimal performance (if one considers survival rate, fertilization rate, and evolution to blastocyst); you can check this with other companies around the world. We are attaching an email with this information from one large company from Ukraine and our own oocyte reposition policy. Unfortunately, it is impossible to predict results and guarantee pregnancy in a biological setting due to the multiple variables involved. You had a good number of blastocysts although only one could be biopsied, for unexplained reasons. Hopefully, it may prove to be normal (euploid) and result in a pregnancy. If this is not the case, we will be happy to assist you again.”
Analysis and Criticism of Ovogentic’s tactics
- Deflecting Responsibility:
- Statement: “According to the report from the embryologists at another institution, the oocytes had an optimal performance…”
- Critique: By referencing an external report, Ovogenetic attempts to shift the blame away from themselves, implying that their role was flawless and any issues lie elsewhere. This deflection ignores the primary responsibility of the clinic in ensuring the quality of the oocytes and the overall treatment.
- Appeal to Authority:
- Statement: “You can check this with other companies around the world. We are attaching an email with this information from one large company from Ukraine…”
- Critique: Mentioning a large company from Ukraine and suggesting verification from other companies is an appeal to authority. It implies that the opinion of these entities should validate Ovogenetic’s claims, without addressing the specific concerns raised by the patient. This tactic aims to lend credibility to their argument by associating it with reputed organizations, without providing concrete evidence or resolution.
- Evading Specifics:
- Statement: “Unfortunately, it is impossible to predict results and guarantee pregnancy in a biological setting due to the multiple variables involved.”
- Critique: While it is true that predicting pregnancy outcomes is challenging, this statement is used to evade responsibility. Instead of acknowledging potential faults or errors, Ovogenetic hides behind the inherent unpredictability of biological processes, which, while valid, does not address the specific concerns about egg quality and the clinic’s accountability.
- Ambiguity in Results:
- Statement: “You had a good number of blastocysts although only one could be biopsied, for unexplained reasons.”
- Critique: This statement is particularly problematic as it introduces ambiguity. The phrase “for unexplained reasons” leaves a critical aspect of the process vague and unaccounted for, which is unacceptable in a medical setting where transparency is crucial. This vagueness further erodes trust and suggests a lack of thorough investigation or unwillingness to disclose full details.
- False Reassurance and Upselling:
- Statement: “If this is not the case, we will be happy to assist you again.”
- Critique: Offering further assistance after a failed procedure can be seen as a tactic to upsell additional services rather than a genuine effort to rectify the issue. This approach exploits the patients’ desperation and willingness to continue treatment, thus potentially leading to further financial and emotional exploitation without addressing the root problem.
Ovogenetic’s response employs several scapegoating tactics designed to deflect responsibility, appeal to external authority, evade specific issues, introduce ambiguity, and upsell further services. These strategies collectively undermine the trust that patients place in fertility clinics and highlight the need for greater transparency and accountability in such critical services. Prospective patients should be wary of such tactics and seek clinics with clear, honest communication and a proven track record of ethical practices.
Warning to Prospective Parents
This report serves as a stern warning to anyone considering fertility treatments in Argentina. Do not trust Ovogenetic or Raymond Oses. The promise of parenthood should not be tainted by deceit and exploitation. It is imperative to conduct thorough research and seek out reputable clinics with proven success rates and ethical practices.
Final Take:
The revelations about Ovogenetic and Raymond Oses highlight the importance of vigilance in the fertility treatment industry. Our investigation will continue to expose the full network involved in this scam, ensuring that all collaborators are brought to light. Trust and integrity are paramount in the journey to parenthood, and we are committed to protecting hopeful parents from such fraudulent practices.
