Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) expands probe into alleged human placenta trafficking network
The FIA has expanded its investigation into an alleged human placenta trafficking network after interrogating five arrested suspects. The network allegedly processed human placenta for collagen injections and skin-related products, according to FIA Director Shehzad Nadeem Bukhari.
Bukhari stated that large-scale raids are underway to dismantle the entire operation and bring everyone involved, including the main ringleaders, to justice.
The suspects allegedly smuggled human placenta abroad by falsely declaring it as sheep organs in export documents. Authorities believe the material was destined for Vietnam after being packed for shipment.
Investigators suspect a nexus involving hospital support staff, agents, and foreign nationals facilitated the illegal trade. However, no doctors have been arrested so far.
Five suspects – three foreign nationals and two Pakistanis – remain in FIA custody on a four-day physical remand and are expected to be produced before a court on Tuesday upon completion of their remand.
The FIA has widened its inquiry to hospitals in Rawalpindi, Lahore, and Peshawar to determine where the placenta was obtained and how the alleged supply chain operated.