Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Thursday launched extensive simultaneous raids across multiple districts in Kerala, seizing critical financial and medical documents related to a massive organ trafficking racket. The investigation targets money laundering under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) following a major scam exposed by the Kerala Police.
ED officials from the Kochi zonal unit raided multi-specialty hospitals across Ernakulam, Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Kasaragod, and Kottayam districts on Thursday morning. The operation targets an alleged organ trafficking racket led by Kasaragod native Mohammed Najeeb Kallatra. Investigators suspect hospital personnel colluded with the prime accused to facilitate the illegal trade and manage the resulting criminal proceeds.
The raids took place at leading medical centers, such as Aster Medcity in Cheranalloor, Kochi; VPS Lakeshore Hospital in Maradu, Kochi; Medical Trust Hospital in Pallimukku, Kochi, Rajagiri Hospital in Aluva, Caritas Hospital in Kottayam, and Gokulam Hospital in Thiruvananthapuram.
The agency also raided the houses of the prime accused, suspected agents and middlemen. Searches were carried out at the residences of prime accused Mohammed Najeeb Kallatra in Kasaragod, and local agents Sreeja and Sudheer in Kollam.
The ED is investigating financial transactions tied to a network of hospitals and intermediaries allegedly profiting from organ transplants. Authorities are tracing money trails and bank accounts to verify claims that commissions were paid for donor-recipient matching, medical screenings, and regulatory approvals.
This probe stems from a broader investigation into an alleged organ trafficking syndicate. The group was reportedly led by Mohammed Najeeb, a 53-year-old native of Kasaragod. Authorities arrested Najeeb in Ghaziabad earlier this year following a month-long manhunt.
Accused Mohammed Najeeb Kallatra operated under the facade of a medical tourism firm (Kallatras Medical Tourism) to traffic financially vulnerable local donors
The ED initiated its money laundering probe based on multiple FIRs (First Information Reports) registered by the Kerala Police in Ernakulam, Kollam, and Thrissur. These FIRs exposed a multi-layered criminal syndicate operating under distinct illegal frameworks.
The racket first came to light through an investigation by Kollam City Police. Police arrested two agents, Sreeja (40) and Sudheer (31), for allegedly organizing transplants for financial profit. A donor named Vinod was also taken into custody. The racket reportedly forged critical statutory documents, including “Altruism Certificates,” police clearance certificates.During the operation, police seized mobile phones , fake Aadhaar cards, counterfeit seals and other forged records.
The gang allegedly exploited economically vulnerable donors, paying them Rs.5 lakh to Rs.10 lakh per organ,
The police found that these agents were operating under Mohammed Najeeb Kallatra, who allegedly facilitated illegal transplants under the guise of medical tourism.