TikTok Twins Unveil Dark Kidnapping Scheme in Georgia
In an astonishing revelation, two teenagers, Elene Deisadze and Anna Panchulidze, discovered they were identical twins separated at birth and reunited through TikTok. Their story has not only captivated audiences but also uncovered a dark, organized kidnapping system that operated in Georgian hospitals for decades. The twins, who were adopted by different families, stumbled upon each other on the social media platform, leading to a series of life-changing revelations.
The Heart-Wrenching Discovery
Elene and Anna's journey began in 2022 when Elene saw a TikTok video featuring Anna, who bore an uncanny resemblance to her. Intrigued, Elene reached out, and the two quickly formed a bond. After months of communication, they decided to take a DNA test, which confirmed they were indeed identical twins. This discovery prompted them to delve into their past, revealing that they were victims of a systematic kidnapping scheme in Georgia.
Unraveling the Kidnapping Scheme
Investigations revealed that between 1950 and 2006, over 100,000 children were stolen from Georgian hospitals and given up for adoption. Hospital staff and government officials were implicated in these crimes, with parents being falsely informed that their newborns had died. Georgian journalist Tamuna Museridze, who has been instrumental in uncovering this scandal, found that many families were unaware of the corrupt system. Museridze's efforts have led to the reunification of around 700 families through a dedicated Facebook group.
A Global Issue
The illegal adoption business is not confined to Georgia. Similar cases have been reported globally, including in Chile during Augusto Pinochet's dictatorship and more recently in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. These instances highlight the pervasive issue of child trafficking and forced adoptions worldwide. Elene and Anna, while grateful for their adoptive families, now hope to find their biological parents and bring more attention to this global problem.
- Elaine Disadze and Anna Panchulidze, now 19, began uncovering their hidden past two years ago. Elaine, a psychology student, expressed the emotional struggle of processing the truth about her adoption. Anna, while grateful to her adoptive parents, also grappled with the reality of her origins.
- Journalist Tamuna Musiridze has been a pivotal figure in exposing the extent of the illegal adoptions in Georgia. Her Facebook group, which has over 200,000 members, serves as a platform for families seeking to reunite with their stolen children. Musiridze's investigations have revealed that at least 120,000 children were stolen and sold between 1950 and 2006.
- Adoptive families in Georgia often paid the equivalent of several months' salary for adoptions, while children smuggled abroad could fetch up to $30,000. The revelations have led to ongoing investigations, with more than 800 families reunited so far.
