Rawalpindi Police Bust Kidney Trafficking Gang

Rawalpindi police have dismantled an illegal organ trafficking gang in Rawat, rescuing a man who lost his kidney after being lured with a fake job offer, as reported by ARY News.

Rawalpindi police, operating under the Rawat Police Station, have uncovered a criminal gang involved in illegal organ trafficking, rescuing a victim who had his kidney removed without consent, according to a report by ARY News on Thursday, August 7, 2025. The operation began when police received a distress call via the emergency helpline 15, reporting screams from a private residence. A swift raid led to the discovery of a man, identified as Hanan Khan, tied to a stretcher in a makeshift operating theater inside a bungalow. The victim revealed he was deceived with a promise of employment, only to be sedated and subjected to medical tests for an illegal kidney removal.

The police arrested four suspects, identified as Akif Aftab, Naseem Butt, Rakesh Masih, and Shawn Masih, during the raid, though six others escaped. Authorities recovered surgical equipment and drugs used for organ extraction, confirming the gang’s illicit activities. The suspects confessed to selling kidneys to wealthy local and foreign clients, exploiting vulnerable individuals with false job offers. “The victim was lured under the pretext of a job opportunity,” a Rawalpindi police spokesman stated, emphasizing the gang’s deceptive tactics. The investigation continues to track down the remaining members of the network.

This incident follows a pattern of organ trafficking in Pakistan, where a 2010 law bans commercial organ trade, imposing up to 10 years in prison and fines of 1 million Pakistani rupees ($3,400). Despite this, enforcement remains weak, with gangs targeting impoverished citizens. A 2023 report by CNN noted a similar case in Punjab, where over 300 kidneys were illegally harvested, highlighting the scale of the issue. The Rawalpindi police have vowed to intensify efforts to dismantle such networks, prioritizing citizen safety. “Ensuring the protection of lives and property is our foremost duty,” the police spokesman added, underscoring their commitment to pursuing all involved.

The rescued victim, Hanan Khan, is receiving medical attention, but his ordeal underscores the dangers of organ trafficking. Police raids are ongoing to apprehend the remaining suspects, with authorities urging stricter enforcement of anti-trafficking laws to prevent such crimes.