FIA Dismantles Illegal Kidney Transplant Network in Islamabad, Five Arrested

ISLAMABAD: The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has successfully dismantled an organized gang involved in illegal commercial kidney transplants, arresting five individuals and seizing Rs1 million in cash, alongside freezing properties valued at Rs87.5 million and impounding three vehicles.

In a coordinated operation with the Human Organ Transplantation Authority (HOTA), the FIA raided a location in PWD Society, Islamabad, where they discovered that recipient Mohammad Qasim had received a kidney from donor Ramzan Arshad, in clear violation of the law. Three suspects were apprehended at the scene, while two additional suspects were arrested later. A local court has granted a seven-day physical remand for the suspects to facilitate further investigation.

The investigation revealed that the recipient had paid Rs3 million for the transplant, with agents facilitating the arrangement of the donor. The agents had promised the donor Rs400,000, of which Rs340,000 was to be given directly to the donor, while Rs60,000 was earmarked for distribution among three agents as commission.

Authorities have registered a First Information Report (FIR) under Sections 9, 10, and 11(a)(ii) of the Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues Act, 2010, in conjunction with Sections 34, 419, and 109 of the Pakistan Penal Code. The FIA is expected to continue its investigation to uncover the full extent of the network and prevent further illegal activities.