The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Thursday conducted searches at multiple locations across Kerala as part of an ongoing investigation into an alleged organ trafficking racket involving illegal kidney transplants, forged documents, and financial irregularities.
The raids were carried out at nine locations spread across the districts of Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Ernakulam, and Kasaragod. Among the premises searched were Medical Trust Hospital and Lakeshore Hospital in Kochi, along with residences linked to suspected agents believed to be involved in the network.
According to sources, the ED is scrutinizing financial transactions connected to hospitals, agents, and intermediaries who allegedly profited from various stages of the transplant process. Investigators are examining claims that commissions were collected for identifying donors and recipients, arranging medical evaluations, and facilitating approvals required for organ transplantation. Bank accounts and money trails associated with the suspected network are also under investigation.
The money laundering probe is linked to a larger case involving an alleged organ trafficking syndicate led by Mohammed Najeeb, a 53-year-old native of Kasaragod. Najeeb was arrested earlier this year in Ghaziabad following a month-long search operation.
Investigators allege that Najeeb orchestrated a network that targeted financially vulnerable individuals, arranging illegal kidney transplants through forged documents. The syndicate is accused of fabricating kinship certificates, medical tourism records, and recommendation letters purportedly issued by elected representatives to bypass safeguards under the Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues Act (THOTA).
Authorities suspect that transplant recipients were charged up to ₹20 lakh for procedures, while donors reportedly received between ₹5 lakh and ₹10 lakh. The remaining funds were allegedly distributed among agents and facilitators involved in the operation.
The case initially came to light during an investigation by the Kollam City Police. Two agents, Sreeja (40) and Sudheer (31), were arrested for allegedly arranging organ donations for financial gain. A donor identified as Vinod was also taken into custody. During the investigation, police recovered mobile phones, forged Aadhaar cards, and other incriminating documents.
Officials said digital evidence recovered from one of the accused revealed details of an organ transplant conducted in Ernakulam, leading to additional arrests and broadening the scope of the investigation.
Police suspect that Najeeb’s company, played a significant role in facilitating illegal transplants and may have been involved in nearly 40 such procedures over the past five years. Several individuals, including Najeeb’s wife Rasheeda and other intermediaries, have also been arrested by the Special Investigation Team handling the case.
The ED has launched a parallel investigation under money laundering laws to determine the extent of the proceeds generated through the alleged racket, identify the role of various facilitators, and examine whether the funds were routed through legitimate businesses and financial institutions. Searches and investigations are ongoing.
