FIA Arrests Another Suspect in Illegal Kidney Transplant NetworkPakistan

Initial investigations indicate that the arrested suspect had assisted in illegal kidney transplantation operations, the agency said. Further investigations are underway to establish his alleged role and identify other possible facilitators involved in the illegal organ trade and transplantation operations.

The FIA said several other suspects had already been arrested in the same case as part of its ongoing crackdown against the network, and the scope of the investigation had been expanded to pursue individuals and networks involved in the unlawful buying and selling of human organs and illegal transplant procedures.

Sub-Inspector Tabish Javed is conducting the investigation into the case, according to the FIA.

Illegal organ transplantation remains a serious concern in Pakistan, where criminal networks exploit vulnerable donors and patients in need of transplants. Pakistani law prohibits the commercial trade in human organs, and the FIA has stepped up action against gangs involved in the practice in recent months, carrying out arrests in several cities.

Officials say the networks typically target poor and vulnerable people, persuading them to sell a kidney for a small sum, while charging patients far more for the transplant procedure. The operations are often carried out in unregistered facilities without proper medical safeguards, putting both donors and recipients at grave risk.

Under Pakistani law, the buying and selling of human organs is prohibited, and those involved in the illegal trade face prosecution. The FIA’s Anti-Corruption Circle, which is leading the investigation, has been tasked with tracing the full extent of the network, including anyone who arranged donors, provided premises or carried out the procedures.

The agency said it would continue its crackdown until the network behind the illegal transplants is fully dismantled, and urged the public to report any information about such activities to the authorities.