Published Jun 18, 2026 | 12:21 PM ⚊ Updated Jun 18, 2026 | 1:33 PM
Representational image. Credit: iStock
Synopsis: The ED on Thursday launched statewide searches in Kerala as part of its money laundering probe into an alleged organ trafficking racket. Raids targeted hospitals in Kochi and the residence of agent Mohammad Najeeb. Linked to Kallatras Medical Tourism, the network allegedly forged documents, exploited vulnerable donors, and arranged illegal transplants across districts.
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Thursday, 18 June, launched searches across Kerala as part of its money laundering investigation into an alleged organ donation racket.
Raids are underway in Kottayam, Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, and Kollam, with bank officials assisting investigators.
In Kochi, ED teams are inspecting Rajagiri Hospital (Aluva), Medical Trust Hospital (Pallimukku), Aster Medcity (Cheranalloor), and VPS Lakeshore Hospital (Maradu).
Searches are also being conducted at the residence of Mohammad Najeeb, alleged to be a key agent in the network.
The probe centres on Kallatras Medical Tourism Private Limited, a company run by Najeeb, which allegedly facilitated illegal organ donations under the guise of medical tourism.
According to sources, intermediaries connected donors, recipients, and hospitals, collecting large sums to arrange transplant procedures.
The ED’s investigation follows multiple FIRs registered by police across Kerala in recent years. Preliminary findings suggest the racket operated across districts, with hospitals and agents playing a role in enabling illegal transplants.
Authorities say the searches are aimed at uncovering financial trails linked to the suspected trafficking network.
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Kerala Police arrested Mohammed Najeeb (53), the alleged kingpin of a sprawling organ trafficking network that investigators say operated across districts and possibly beyond the state. Najeeb, a native of Kasaragod, was picked up from Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, after months of investigation. He is expected to be brought to his residence in Kalnad for evidence collection.
So far, nine people, including Najeeb’s wife Rasheedah, have been arrested. Police allege the gang targeted financially distressed individuals, offering Rs 5–10 lakh for kidneys, which were then sold to recipients for Rs 20–50 lakh through forged documents and fabricated identities.
The racket came to light after irregularities were detected in donor‑recipient applications in Thiruvananthapuram. Investigators uncovered forged seals, signatures, and certificates purportedly issued by government officials.
A case involving a housewife from Vadakkekkara, who allegedly received ₹9.5 lakh for a kidney donation while the recipient paid nearly ₹20 lakh, proved pivotal in exposing the network.
Police say Najeeb’s operation relied on forged Aadhaar cards, fake affidavits, and counterfeit recommendation letters to bypass India’s strict transplant regulations. Officials suspect forged phone numbers were also used to manipulate verification calls.
With Najeeb’s arrest, officials say a state‑level SIT is likely to be constituted to probe hospital‑level clearances, financial trails, and the role of intermediaries. The scale of forged documents recovered has raised concerns that the syndicate may have infiltrated legitimate transplant procedures across Kerala.
(With inputs from Dileep V Kumar)
