Sweden should gradually end international adoptions, according to findings from a government-led investigation released on Monday. The inquiry was initiated due to growing concerns that some children had been removed from their birth families without proper consent.

“For many years, children and parents have suffered harm through international adoptions—this has now become even more evident,” said Social Services Minister Camilla Waltersson Gronvall.

The investigation uncovered a range of problems, including illegal adoptions and other unethical practices, according to a statement from the Ministry of Health and Social Affairs.

The review began in 2021 amid increasing reports that some adoptions may have involved children taken from their biological families under dubious circumstances. The report states that there are around 60,000 internationally adopted individuals living in Sweden.

It recommends the government issue a formal apology to adoptees and their families and offer financial support to those wishing to visit their country of origin.

Other countries have taken similar steps recently: the Netherlands announced plans in December to end international adoptions over six years, and Switzerland announced similar intentions in January due to ongoing concerns about misconduct in the process.

Sweden’s government will now review the commission’s conclusions and proposed actions.