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Kerala Hospitals Raided in Organ Trafficking Probe
18 Jun
Summary
- ED raids private hospitals in Kerala for organ trade money laundering.
- Suspects allegedly earned millions by exploiting vulnerable donors.
- Racketeers forged documents, including kinship claims, for illegal transplants.
Enforcement Directorate (ED) sleuths are conducting simultaneous raids on several leading private hospitals across Kerala. These actions are part of an ongoing investigation into alleged money laundering connected to a suspected organ trade racket that was recently exposed by state police in Kochi.
The ED's Kochi unit is examining hospitals in Ernakulam, Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, and Kottayam districts. Their focus is on the financial proceeds allegedly generated by prime accused Mohammed Najeeb Kallatra through illicit organ trafficking. Investigators are scrutinizing donor registries, transplant records, internal approvals, and financial documents for any evidence of collusion or negligence by hospital staff.
Meanwhile, the Kerala Police's Special Investigation Team continues its probe into criminal conspiracy and forgery. The racket is accused of exploiting the poor and financially distressed, allegedly conducting at least 20 dubious transplants. Recipients reportedly paid ₹20 lakh to ₹25 lakh, while donors received only ₹5 lakh to ₹10 lakh, with middlemen securing substantial profits. Racketeers are also accused of forging official documents and doctor's seals to obtain the necessary approvals for these illegal procedures.
