FBI Investigates Surro Connections After Sudden Closure That Left Families Owed Millions

The FBI has opened an inquiry into Surro Connections after the Camas, Washington, surrogacy agency abruptly shut down earlier this month, leaving intended parents out of tens of thousands of dollars and several gestational carriers unpaid as pregnancies continued.

The agency's founder and owner, Megan Hall-Greenberg, 49, deleted her social profiles and stopped replying to clients and staff on Dec. 3. Federal agents searched Hall-Greenberg's home and the firm's Camas offices last week, and investigators have interviewed former employees who reported losing access to company email and records a day before the business closed.

Law enforcement activity outside Megan Hall-Greenberg’s home in Washougal, Wash. (Obtained by NBC News)

What Happened

Former marketing manager and lead surrogate coordinator Sarah Shaffer estimates roughly 150 families had funds in the company's in-house escrow, which could total between $2 million and $5 million. Several intended parents told reporters they could not access the escrow or reach Hall-Greenberg as payments to surrogates began to miss scheduled disbursements.

In an email to clients on Dec. 5, Hall-Greenberg wrote that Surro Connections was "ceasing all operations" because of "financial and operational difficulties" and that the company had "no liquid capital" to return funds. Staff were informed separately that employment was "terminated effective immediately."

Impact On Families And Surrogates

Intended parent Mariana Klaveno said she wired more than $66,000 into the agency escrow for an embryo transfer planned for next month. Several surrogates report missed or late payments; reported individual family losses range from roughly $40,000 to $50,000, and some clients had just funded the account hours before the shutdown.

Sarah Shaffer, marketing manager and lead surrogate coordinator for Surro Connections. (Courtesy Sarah Shaffer)

For many, the financial loss is compounded by the emotional toll: surrogacy journeys often cost more than $100,000 and depend on trust between parents, carriers, and agencies. Former clients and staff describe shock, betrayal, and urgent efforts to find new providers and legal advice.

Warning Signs And Background

Clients say Hall-Greenberg had encouraged them to keep escrow funds in-house rather than with a third-party manager, arguing it saved money and that funds were segregated at an FDIC-insured bank. The Society for Ethics in Egg Donation and Surrogacy continues to recommend independent third-party escrow for protection of both intended parents and carriers.

Kama Stauffer, a surrogate for Surro Connections. (Courtesy Kama Stauffer)

Public filings show Hall-Greenberg faced financial strain before the collapse: she sold several cheerleading gyms last year and owes Oregon more than $84,000 in unpaid taxes tied to her businesses and Surro Connections. Records also show multiple loans taken to support her ventures, a sale of future revenue for $15,000 that prompted a later lawsuit, and court orders related to sizable American Express debts.

Office Scene And Next Steps

Neighbors and local business owners reported that when the FBI visited the Camas office, the space appeared cleared: empty binders, shredded files, and missing computers. The FBI declined to confirm or deny details, citing bureau policy.

Several former employees have worked to connect clients and carriers with other agencies and nonprofit groups; some organizations have offered pro bono assistance. Many intended parents remain uncertain whether they will recover funds or how to proceed with paused or ongoing pregnancies.

Key figures and facts: estimated $2 million to $5 million held in in-house escrow; individual reported losses between about $40,000 and $66,000+; Hall-Greenberg stopped communicating on Dec. 3 and emailed clients on Dec. 5 announcing cessation of operations.

The investigation is ongoing and developments may change as federal and local authorities continue inquiries.