In Pakistan, a group of criminals were arrested for their involvement in organ trafficking. They would lure young and vulnerable victims with the promise of lucrative jobs and large payouts before forcibly removing their organs, mainly kidneys, to sell them for up to 900,000 rupees ($4,000). This criminal ring was responsible for the disappearance of a boy who was later found alive, but had been taken against his will for his organs. It was only after thorough investigations and following leads that the Punjab police discovered the organ trafficking operation behind the boy’s abduction.
The victims were taken to a medical testing lab in Rawalpindi, near the capital Islamabad, which was used for clandestine organ transplant surgeries. However, these facilities often lack proper medical equipment and standards, resulting in patients dying from complications.
The boy’s father expressed his gratitude to the police for finding his son alive, stating that the criminals had left him for dead. However, the doctors and surgeons involved in the operation have not yet been tracked down. He said, “I’m just grateful that the police found him alive, otherwise they had left him for dead. ”
Pakistan banned the commercial trade of human organs in 2010, with a penalty of up to 10 years in jail and fines. This was an effort to curb the sale of organs to wealthy overseas clients by middlemen who exploit vulnerable individuals. However, a 2020 analysis estimates that around 10% of all organ transplants worldwide are still conducted illegally, with roughly 12,000 organs being illegally transplanted each year. The illegal trade of human organs generates about $1.5 billion annually.
This highlights the urgent need for stricter regulations and enforcement to combat organ trafficking. In the United States, more than 100,000 people are waiting for organ transplants, but only slightly more than half of them are expected to receive an organ within five years.
Organ trafficking is a heinous crime that preys on the vulnerable and exploits their desperation for financial gain. It is imperative that governments worldwide take necessary measures to prevent such criminal activities, including the implementation of stricter regulations, the education of the public, and the prosecution of those involved in organ trafficking. Additionally, it is crucial to raise awareness about organ donation and encourage individuals to donate their organs to save lives.
