The Federal Investigation Agency arrested two more alleged members of an illegal kidney transplant network. Authorities claim the group facilitated over 150 unlawful organ transplants nationwide. Investigators also allege the network obtained approvals through fraudulent documentation.
Suspects Accused of Recruiting Vulnerable Donors
According to FIA officials, authorities arrested main suspect Shabbir Hussain in Jalalpur Bhattian. They also detained alleged sub-agent Ghulam Abbas in Mian Channu, Khanewal. Investigators believe both suspects played key roles within the network.
Officials said the suspects allegedly targeted financially vulnerable individuals. These included laborers, daily wage workers and brick kiln employees. The network reportedly offered small payments in exchange for kidney donations. Consequently, donors received only a fraction of the money generated through transplants.
The arrests follow a major FIA operation conducted last month. During that raid, authorities detained nine individuals linked to the case. Those arrested included a prominent urologist and a private hospital employee.
Probe Expands to Foreign Recipients
Investigators revealed that transplant recipients allegedly paid around Rs 6 million per procedure. However, some cases reportedly generated as much as Rs10 million. Authorities believe network members distributed the remaining funds among themselves.
According to preliminary findings, Shabbir Hussain managed a network of sub-agents. These operatives allegedly identified and recruited donors from Punjab and Islamabad. FIA officials claim he arranged more than 50 donors for the previously arrested urologist.
The agency further alleged that the network secured approvals from the Human Organ Transplant Authority through forged documents. Moreover, investigators said mandatory clearance from the relevant evaluation committee was not obtained.
Deputy Director FIA Anti-Corruption Circle Afzal Khan Niazi stated that foreign patients also benefited. He alleged that recipients came from Afghanistan, China and Saudi Arabia. Meanwhile, the FIA has launched forensic and financial investigations. Authorities continue examining records, foreign recipients and related financial transactions.
