ED raids hospitals, residences in Keralam organ donation racket probe

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Thursday conducted searches at multiple hospitals and residential premises across Keralam as part of a money laundering investigation linked to an alleged illegal organ donation racket.According to agency reports, the raids were carried out at around 10 locations in Kochi and nearby areas, including hospitals and establishments suspected to be connected to the network. Search operations were also conducted at select locations in Thiruvananthapuram and Kottayam districts.
Officials said the action was initiated by the ED's Kerala zonal office under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) following inputs received against individuals allegedly involved in facilitating illegal organ transplants.The probe stems from multiple FIRs registered by police in different districts against a suspected racket accused of arranging unlawful organ donations using forged documents over the past several years.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the accused acted as intermediaries between organ donors, recipients and hospitals, allegedly charging substantial amounts to facilitate donations and transplants. The agency is examining whether forged documents were used to falsely establish relationships between donors and recipients in order to bypass legal requirements.
According to officials the ED is investigating possible money laundering linked to the proceeds generated through these activities. The agency is probing the role of intermediaries, medical professionals and facilitators who may have been involved in arranging unauthorised procedures for financial gain.During the searches, investigators examined financial records, electronic devices and hospital documents to trace money trails and identify individuals linked to the suspected network. The agency is also looking into whether funds generated through the alleged racket were routed through shell entities or concealed through layered financial transactions.
Multiple teams were deployed simultaneously to conduct coordinated searches and prevent any destruction of evidence, officials said.The investigation comes amid growing concerns over illegal organ trade networks that often exploit economically vulnerable individuals. Central agencies have stepped up efforts in recent years to curb such activities and strengthen enforcement against those involved in unlawful organ transplantation and trafficking.The searches were underway at the time of filing this report, and further details are expected as the investigation progresses.