Five suspects involved in a case of an alleged illegal surrogacy agency have been detained and further investigations are underway, said a statement by the information office of Hefei, the capital of East China's Anhui province, on Sunday night.

A joint investigation team had been established by related departments from Hefei and Bozhou cities, where the agency had been reported by netizens ?of conducting illegal activities, said the statement.

It said investigations are ongoing regarding public officials involved in the case.

Those found guilty, regardless of their positions, will be dealt with severely in accordance with the law and regulations without leniency, said the statement.

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