by Sophia Golec

Posted on April 10, 2013

In Peru this Monday, the court announced its intention to investigate a network of illegal organ trafficking. The accused include 8 doctors, among them urologists and nephrologists, who allegedly performed illegal organ transplantation for well-paying customers. 23 of these patients were international customers who paid $125,000 for a precious organ transplant. The donors received $8,000 for their trouble.

This network is thought to have operated for the past 10 years, spanning 2004 to 2012. Over this time investigators think that the doctors involved performed up to 60 illegal organ transplants.

The transplants are illegal due to Peruvian law banning commerce in organs. Any reimbursement for organ donation is banned, especially so because the donors held no relation to the customers. A representative of the prosecution’s office told El Comercio “Donations have to be free and voluntary”.

The accused doctors protest the allegations, claiming that all of their patients gave documentation proving that the donation was voluntary. They also deny ever receiving remuneration for an operation.

Of the 68 people accused of participation in trafficking, 56 are being tried for selling their organs. They and other people involved in the case may face up to 6 years in prison if found guilty.

Source from Manuel Vigo of Peru This Week: http://www.peruthisweek.com/news-3852-international-organ-trafficking-network-uncovered-in-peru/