The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has uncovered fresh details in an illegal organ trafficking case, revealing that two persons from Odisha were trafficked to Tajikistan this year for kidney transplantation. The findings emerged during the probe of a case originally registered in Kerala, involving the trafficking of people to Iran for unlawful organ donation.
The agency disclosed these details in an affidavit filed before a special NIA court in Kochi while seeking extended custody of the prime accused, Madhu Jayakumar, a resident of Palarivattom. The case first came to light on May 18, 2024, when immigration officials at Kochi airport intercepted a man suspected of being part of an organised organ trafficking syndicate.
Subsequent investigations led to the arrest of multiple accused, including individuals who allegedly facilitated the travel of organ donors and recipients to hospitals in Iran for illegal kidney transplants. Jayakumar, who had been absconding for over a year, was arrested on November 7 upon his arrival at New Delhi airport.
According to the NIA, Jayakumar admitted during interrogation that he had assisted at least 27 recipients who underwent kidney transplantation in Iran and identified 11 donors. Even after the case was registered, the racket reportedly continued operations, sending two donors from Odisha to Tajikistan in 2025, where their kidneys were transplanted into wealthy recipients.
The agency further informed the court that large sums earned through the illegal kidney trade were routed through a health club run by Jayakumar and later converted into cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin and USDT. The NIA is seeking custodial interrogation to trace these financial transactions, examine bank records, digital evidence, and establish links with other organ trafficking networks.
The court observed that the allegations involved grave offences and granted the NIA additional custody of Jayakumar for detailed questioning. Efforts are ongoing to trace the donors sent abroad, record their statements, and identify more victims across the country. Investigators have noted that donors from economically weaker backgrounds were lured with promises of high payments, only to be deprived of their documents and compensation once taken overseas.

Odisha donors sent abroad as NIA probes illegal kidney trade network

NIA Uncovers Organ Trafficking Link to Tajikistan

Odisha donors sent abroad as NIA probes illegal kidney trade network

December 18, 2025 | 11:51 IST