FIA arrests five over illegal kidney transplants, freezes Rs87.5m in property

The FIA has arrested five suspects allegedly involved in an illegal kidney transplant network operating in Islamabad and other locations, recovering Rs1 million in cash and seizing three vehicles.

According to reports, the agency also froze two properties worth Rs87.5 million and sealed an unauthorised transplant facility in PWD Society during a joint operation with the Human Organ Transplantation Authority (HOTA).

Investigators said a kidney donated by Ramzan Arshad had allegedly been transplanted into recipient Muhammad Qasim. Three suspects were arrested at the site, while two others were apprehended later. A court granted the FIA seven-day physical remand of the suspects.

The recipient allegedly paid Rs3 million for the procedure, while agents promised the donor Rs400,000, including Rs60,000 to be shared as commission among three agents.

The FIA alleged that the network carried out transplants in residential properties without the required qualifications and falsified documents to make unrelated donors appear to be eligible relatives.

Investigators also traced properties allegedly purchased using proceeds from the illegal operations. One house in Media Town was valued at Rs62.5 million, while another in Jinnah Garden Phase I was worth Rs25 million.

The agency is examining financial records and considering separate money-laundering proceedings. Further raids are underway to arrest other suspects.