Kerala Organ Trafficking Case: ED Conducts Raids At Multiple Hospitals
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has launched a major crackdown across Kerala as part of its investigation into an alleged organ trafficking network accused of generating huge illegal profits through forged documents, middlemen, and unlawful kidney transplants.
Searches Spread Across Six Districts
On Thursday, ED officials conducted searches at nine locations across Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Ernakulam, and Kasaragod. The operation covers hospitals, residences, and locations linked to individuals suspected of playing a role in the alleged racket.
Among the sites searched are Medical Trust Hospital and Lakeshore Hospital in Kochi, along with properties connected to suspected agents.
Following the Money Trail
Investigators are focusing on the financial side of the operation. The agency is examining transactions involving hospitals, brokers, and intermediaries who allegedly earned commissions during different stages of the transplant process.
Officials are looking into claims that payments were collected for finding donors and recipients, arranging medical tests, and securing approvals needed for organ transplants. Bank accounts and financial records linked to the network are also under scrutiny.
Arrest of Alleged Kingpin Triggered Wider Probe
The investigation gained momentum after the arrest of Mohammed Najeeb, a 53-year-old native of Kasaragod, who was taken into custody earlier this year in Ghaziabad following a month-long search.
Authorities allege that Najeeb headed a network that targeted financially vulnerable individuals and arranged illegal kidney transplants using forged paperwork.
Fake Documents Under Scanner
According to investigators, the syndicate allegedly created false kinship certificates, fabricated medical tourism records, and forged recommendation letters to bypass safeguards under the Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues Act (THOTA).
These documents were reportedly used to make illegal transplants appear legitimate and secure necessary approvals.
Huge Gap Between Donor Payments and Recipient Charges
Investigators believe transplant recipients were charged up to Rs 20 lakh for procedures arranged through the network.
Donors, however, were allegedly paid between Rs 5 lakh and Rs 10 lakh. The remaining amount is suspected to have been distributed among agents, facilitators, and others involved in coordinating the operations.
Kollam Investigation Opened the Door
The alleged racket first surfaced during an investigation by Kollam City Police. Authorities arrested agents Sreeja, 40, and Sudheer, 31, for allegedly arranging organ donations for financial gain. A donor identified as Vinod was also taken into custody.
During the probe, police recovered mobile phones, forged Aadhaar cards, and other documents believed to be linked to the operation.
Digital Clues Expanded the Case
Investigators say data recovered from one of the accused revealed details of a transplant carried out in Ernakulam. The digital evidence helped police identify additional suspects and broaden the scope of the investigation.
The findings pointed to a larger network operating across multiple locations.
Firm Suspected of Facilitating Illegal Transplants
Police suspect that Kallatras Medical Tourism Pvt Ltd, a company linked to Najeeb, played a significant role in facilitating illegal organ transplants.
Investigators believe the network may have been involved in nearly 40 such procedures over the last five years. Several people, including Najeeb's wife Rasheeda and other intermediaries, have already been arrested by the Special Investigation Team handling the case.
ED Launches Parallel Money Laundering Investigation
The Enforcement Directorate is now conducting a separate money laundering probe to determine the scale of the alleged proceeds generated by the network.
Officials are examining whether funds earned through the operation were routed through legitimate businesses or financial institutions. Searches and investigations remain ongoing as authorities work to uncover the full extent of the alleged racket.
Searches Spread Across Six Districts
On Thursday, ED officials conducted searches at nine locations across Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Ernakulam, and Kasaragod. The operation covers hospitals, residences, and locations linked to individuals suspected of playing a role in the alleged racket. Among the sites searched are Medical Trust Hospital and Lakeshore Hospital in Kochi, along with properties connected to suspected agents.
Following the Money Trail
Investigators are focusing on the financial side of the operation. The agency is examining transactions involving hospitals, brokers, and intermediaries who allegedly earned commissions during different stages of the transplant process. Officials are looking into claims that payments were collected for finding donors and recipients, arranging medical tests, and securing approvals needed for organ transplants. Bank accounts and financial records linked to the network are also under scrutiny.
Arrest of Alleged Kingpin Triggered Wider Probe
The investigation gained momentum after the arrest of Mohammed Najeeb, a 53-year-old native of Kasaragod, who was taken into custody earlier this year in Ghaziabad following a month-long search. Authorities allege that Najeeb headed a network that targeted financially vulnerable individuals and arranged illegal kidney transplants using forged paperwork.
Fake Documents Under Scanner
According to investigators, the syndicate allegedly created false kinship certificates, fabricated medical tourism records, and forged recommendation letters to bypass safeguards under the Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues Act (THOTA). These documents were reportedly used to make illegal transplants appear legitimate and secure necessary approvals.
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Huge Gap Between Donor Payments and Recipient Charges
Investigators believe transplant recipients were charged up to Rs 20 lakh for procedures arranged through the network. Donors, however, were allegedly paid between Rs 5 lakh and Rs 10 lakh. The remaining amount is suspected to have been distributed among agents, facilitators, and others involved in coordinating the operations.
Kollam Investigation Opened the Door
The alleged racket first surfaced during an investigation by Kollam City Police. Authorities arrested agents Sreeja, 40, and Sudheer, 31, for allegedly arranging organ donations for financial gain. A donor identified as Vinod was also taken into custody. During the probe, police recovered mobile phones, forged Aadhaar cards, and other documents believed to be linked to the operation.
Digital Clues Expanded the Case
Investigators say data recovered from one of the accused revealed details of a transplant carried out in Ernakulam. The digital evidence helped police identify additional suspects and broaden the scope of the investigation.The findings pointed to a larger network operating across multiple locations.
Firm Suspected of Facilitating Illegal Transplants
Police suspect that Kallatras Medical Tourism Pvt Ltd, a company linked to Najeeb, played a significant role in facilitating illegal organ transplants. Investigators believe the network may have been involved in nearly 40 such procedures over the last five years. Several people, including Najeeb's wife Rasheeda and other intermediaries, have already been arrested by the Special Investigation Team handling the case.
ED Launches Parallel Money Laundering Investigation
The Enforcement Directorate is now conducting a separate money laundering probe to determine the scale of the alleged proceeds generated by the network. Officials are examining whether funds earned through the operation were routed through legitimate businesses or financial institutions. Searches and investigations remain ongoing as authorities work to uncover the full extent of the alleged racket.
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