What is organ harvesting?
Organ harvesting is the illegal practice of surgically removing a victim’s organs against their will. The organs are then sold on the black market for transplantation at a high price.
It is experiencing an ever-rising trend. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), a transaction involving organ harvesting is carried out every hour worldwide.
Why is there a rising spate of organ harvesting?
Due to increasing demand and an ever-insufficient supply of organs for transplants, in part due to the rising level of diabetes and other diseases worldwide, some of those in need have turned to the black market.
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Consequently, it is estimated that 5-10% of all kidney transplants worldwide rely upon the black market sale of organs.
In 2005, China admitted to using the organs of executed prisoners for transplant.
How lucrative is it?
Due to a shortage of organs worldwide, and a near-global ban on the sale of body organs for money (exception being Iran), some of those seeking organs have turned to the black market for supply.
The complexities involved in organ harvesting, have seen it become a lucrative black market enterprise, with its perpetrators committing other dastardly acts such as kidnapping and murder in order to illegally harvest in-demand human organs.
A kidney is reported to cost an average of $150,000 (N90m) on the black market, with the donor getting as little as $1000 (N600,000). The bulk of the money is shared between middlemen or facilitators of the illegally gained organ.
Organ harvesting is estimated to generate between $600m (N360bn) -$1.2bn (N720bn) annually according to a report by the Global Financial Integrity.
Risk of Organ Harvesting
The unfortunate trend of organ harvesting has contributed to the rise in crime globally such as increased murder, kidnap, and medical malpractice cases.
Victims whose organs are harvested illegally include:
- Those who are kidnapped and have an organ forcefully removed.
- Those tricked into believing they require an operation and whilst under anaesthetic they will have an organ removed, without their knowledge or consent.
- In light of the influx of political refugees arriving in Europe, numerous individuals have been offered assurance of safe passage to Europe in return for an organ.
- Those who are victims of human trafficking
- Those murdered on demand and have their organs removed to fulfil an order.