ED Cracks Down on Alleged Organ Trade Racket, Raids Top Kerala Hospitals

TIT Correspondent

KOCHI: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Thursday launched simultaneous searches at several leading private hospitals across Kerala as part of its ongoing investigation into an alleged organ trade racket that was uncovered by the State Police in Kochi last month. The searches are being carried out under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) to trace the proceeds of crime and examine possible financial irregularities linked to the case.

Officials from the ED’s Kochi Zonal Unit conducted coordinated operations at multiple multi-specialty hospitals located in Ernakulam, Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam and Kottayam districts. The action marks a significant escalation in the investigation, which has already attracted widespread attention due to the serious allegations of illegal organ trafficking and exploitation of vulnerable individuals.

According to sources familiar with the probe, the ED is investigating the financial trail allegedly connected to the activities of the prime accused, Mohammed Najeeb Kallatra, a resident of Kasaragod district. Investigators suspect that substantial proceeds were generated through an organized network involved in arranging illegal organ transplants and facilitating transactions between donors and recipients in violation of existing laws governing organ donation and transplantation.

The central agency is examining whether funds generated through the alleged racket were routed through various channels to conceal their origin. Officials are reportedly scrutinising bank transactions, financial records, hospital documentation, patient records and communication details that could help establish the flow of money and identify individuals who may have benefited from the alleged operations.

A key focus of the searches is to determine whether any hospital staff, medical professionals or administrative personnel knowingly assisted the accused in carrying out the alleged fraud. Investigators suspect that the illegal activities may not have been possible without support or negligence at various levels of the healthcare system. The ED is therefore examining records related to transplant procedures, donor verification processes, consent documents and other regulatory requirements.

The alleged racket first came to light following a police investigation in Kochi that uncovered what authorities described as a well-organised network involved in recruiting donors and arranging illegal organ transplants. Subsequent inquiries led to the arrest of several individuals and revealed possible financial transactions that attracted the attention of the Enforcement Directorate.

Sources indicate that the agency is also looking into whether forged documents, false identities or fabricated relationships were used to circumvent legal safeguards established under the Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues Act. The law permits organ donation under strict conditions and includes safeguards intended to prevent commercial trading of human organs.

Officials involved in the investigation stated that the current searches are aimed at gathering evidence and verifying records rather than drawing conclusions regarding the involvement of any institution. The agency is expected to analyse the seized documents and electronic data before deciding on further action.

The case has generated concern within the medical community and among policymakers, highlighting the need for stronger monitoring mechanisms and stricter compliance with organ transplantation regulations. Healthcare experts have emphasized that ethical medical practices and transparent donor verification procedures are essential to preventing the misuse of the organ donation system.

The Enforcement Directorate has not yet released an official statement detailing the findings of Thursday’s searches. However, officials indicated that the investigation remains active and that additional action may follow based on evidence collected during the ongoing operation. The outcome of the probe is expected to play a crucial role in uncovering the full extent of the alleged organ trafficking network and identifying all those involved.