Police bust Hanoi kidney trafficking ring that sold organs for $45,500 each

The Ministry of Public Security's Criminal Police Department announced the dismantling on Sunday, carried out in coordination with Hanoi police.

The detainees include Pham Van Hung, 42, identified as the ring's leader, and six accomplices, all residents of Hanoi.

They are under investigation for allegedly trading human organs, a crime that can carry a life sentence.

Investigators said the network began operating in early 2024, allegedly buying and selling kidneys and livers across Hanoi and other localities.

Following the discovery of signs of human kidney trafficking, police conducted surveillance and collected evidence before raiding the suspects' residences on September 10, resulting in the arrest of Hung and his accomplices.

Officers also seized a large quantity of materials linked to the illegal trade in human kidneys.

Investigators said the ring sought kidney sellers by posting fake ads on Facebook claiming to look for 'kidney donors,' with contact numbers linked to the group.

At the same time, they approached individuals in need of kidney transplants and acted as brokers, connecting potential sellers and buyers.

Once a seller was identified, the group escorted them to hospitals for specialized testing and guided them through the legal and medical procedures required for organ transplantation under the guise of kidney donation.

The ring set the selling price at VND1.2 billion ($45,500) per kidney, with the buyer covering all surgical and testing costs.

Buyers transferred the full amount to the network before the transplant, while sellers received VND450-550 million ($17,060-20,850) per organ, depending on their health and blood type.

After deducting post-surgery and other expenses, the remaining sum, which could reach VND500 million ($18,950) per transaction, was divided among the network members.

To avoid detection, the group frequently changed residences, conducted most transactions through social media, and kept buyers and sellers from meeting before the transplant.

They also rented a house in Hanoi's Bo De Ward to accommodate and monitor sellers during medical screenings and pre-surgery preparations.

Initial investigations indicate that the ring was responsible for 25 to 30 successful kidney transplants at major hospitals in Hanoi.