Members of a major criminal group involved in the illicit trade of human organs for transplantation have been apprehended in four regions simultaneously: Almaty, Almaty Region, Zhambyl Region, and Turkestan Region.

Purchasing and selling human organs for transplantation is strictly prohibited under Kazakhstan’s laws.

A total of 22 individuals linked to this criminal organization were taken into police custody, including:

• Organizers
• Medical personnel
• Notary
• Recipients
• Donors

Among the suspects, responsibilities were clearly divided for sourcing recipients, donors, forging documents, and orchestrating organ transplantation procedures.

At least 8 illegal organ trade cases have been identified, with each «deal» ranging from 6 to 10 million tenge.

Three key organizers have been arrested. During searches, the suspects’ cash, documentation, digital media, and other related items were seized.

The investigation is being conducted under the article «Coercion to remove or unlawfully remove organs and tissues from a living person for transplantation or other use, as well as engaging in illegal transactions related to the organs and tissues of a living person.»

The maximum penalty for this crime is 12 years of imprisonment with property confiscation.