Egypt says organ-trafficking network uncovered

CAIRO – Egypt’s official anti-corruption body says it has uncovered a network for human organ trafficking, including physicians whom it said exploited the victims’ poverty in persuading them to sell their organs.

The so-called Administrative Control Body described the network as the “largest international network for trafficking.” It also said on Tuesday that a large amount of dollars and Egyptian pounds, as well as jewelry, was confiscated as authorities raided a total of 10 medical centres.

A total of 25 people were arrested, including medical doctors, university professors, nurses, owners of medical centres, and alleged organ brokers.

Organ trafficking is common in Egypt where half of the population lives below the poverty line and oversight over hospitals and private medical centres is weak.