Kochi ∙ The investigation team found that the international organ trafficking racket also transported HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) sufferers abroad. Similar to the Hyderabad racket controlled by Ballamkonda Ramaprasad, who was arrested in the case, a Kolkata-based human trafficking gang is behind it.

Normally, after medical examination, people with any infection or health problems are not taken abroad. If patients want to be transported abroad for organ trade, they have to prepare false documents with the help of hospitals. An investigation is underway.

A few foreign countries, including the US, have legalized organ donation between people with HIV. In India, there are no clear rules regarding organ transplantation among HIV patients. Meanwhile, the Kerala Police’s investigation into the Hyderabad-based international organ trafficking racket is extending to Kolkata. This is according to the statements of the arrested Ballamkonda Ramaprasad.

Kolkata’s organ traffickers are known as the ‘Korean racket’. The investigation team is investigating whether they are conducting human trafficking to Korea for organ trafficking. Until recently, illegal organ trafficking was widespread in Korea. Korean government banned 1300 websites offering organ trading in 2020. With this, the list of patients waiting for an organ transplant in Korea has exceeded 30,000.